Serbia's Nemanja Majdov will be among the big names competing in Turkey ©Getty Images

The International Judo Federation's (IJF) Antalya Grand Prix will begin in Turkey tomorrow, and is the final World Tour event before the qualification phase for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo begins.

With one eye perhaps on the beginning of the race for a spot in Japan's capital, a strong field of 319 judoka from 50 nations have gathered at the Antalya Arena Spor Salonu.

Among them are Serbia's world champion Nemanja Majdov, looking to capture his first title since his global success in 2017 in the men's under-90 kilograms division.

Beijing 2008 Olympic champion Tuvshinbayar Naidan of Mongolia will be one to watch in the men's over-100kg and Brazil's London 2012 gold medallist Sarah Menezes will be in action in the women's under-48kg class.

Brazil's London 2012 Olympic champion Sarah Menezes will be in action ©Getty Images
Brazil's London 2012 Olympic champion Sarah Menezes will be in action ©Getty Images

Hosts Turkey will fancy their chances of medals on all three days an have selected a 36-strong squad.

"We wish to acknowledge President Sezer Huysuz and his Organising Committee for their hard work and efforts in preparing this event," said IJF competition manager Lisa Allan. 

"We are also grateful to all of the sponsors and partners whose backing allows the IJF World Judo Tour to take place."

The next event after Antalya will be the Hohhot Grand Prix in China in May.

This will launch the Tokyo 2020 qualification process, with 18 male and 18 female places up for grabs at the Olympics in each weight category. 

Watch the latest action on Judo TV.