Backed up by 100 coaches and support staff, 205 athletes will take part in the World Cup as preparations continue for May's IBSA World Games in Seoul.

In addition, visually impaired judo will be a medal sport at the inaugural European Games, due to take place in Baku. 

This week's competition, due to take place from Friday (February 20) to Sunday (February 22), also acts as a ranking event for next year's Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. 

IBSA President Jannie Hammershoi will be present in the Northern Hungary city located on the hills of the Bükk Mountains to witness the action unfold, in what will be the largest ever competition for athletes with disabilities ever held in the country.

In addition to the main event, 30 coaches are due to take part in an international seminar, while 125 judokas are set to participate in a training camp.

The IBSA Judo World Cup acts as a ranking event for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games ©Getty Images




A total of 21 officials have signed up to participate in an international referees' seminar - 18 International Judo Federation (IJF) A referees and three B referees - ensuring the highest possible standard of refereeing at the event and future championships.

The Computer Aided Replay (CARE) system, a video tool which ensures the rightful judoka is awarded victory in a contest, will be in use to support referees. 

IJF rules and regulations will be in place and the draw will be made using IJF software.

The IJF, who are based in the Hungarian capital Budapest, last year signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the IBSA, pledging to continue to help the development of visually impaired judo.

The World Cup, organised by the Hungarian Paralympic Committee, will be supported by professional staff from the Hungarian Judo Federation.

Last month, IBSA launched a new athlete registration system following an agreement signed between IBSA President Hammershoi and Xavier Gonzalez, chief executive of the International Paralympic Committee, in 2014. 

Data regarding athletes, which is registered on a central database, will be available for the World Cup on the back of its initial use at the 2015 IBSA Goalball European Championships - Men C in Malmö, Sweden earlier this month. 

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
January 2015: International Blind Sports Federation launch new athlete registration system
September 2014: IJF and IBSA strengthen ties with signing of Memorandum of Understanding in Budapest
June 2014: Boost for visually impaired judo after new deal signed with IJF
April 2014: Visually impaired judo added to Baku 2015 programme