Judo Champions Return to Paris for teh 2025 Grand Slam
Mark your calendars for a thrilling weekend of judo action! From February 1st to 2nd, 2025, the worldS best judokas will converge on Paris for the prestigious Grand Slam tournament.Following a historic summer at the paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Accor Arena will once again become the stage for unbelievable athleticism and fierce competition. This event marks the first major international judo competition of the year, setting the tone for an exciting season that includes the European Championships in Podgorica (April 23-27, 2025) and the World Championships in Budapest (June 13-20, 2025).
While fans will miss the legendary Teddy Riner, who is recovering from elbow surgery, the tournament promises to be electrifying. Olympic medalists Shirine Boukli and Luka Mkheidze, who both secured their first Grand Slam victories in 2024, are set to return and defend their titles.
Witness Judo Excellence at the Accor Arena
The Accor Arena, located at 8 boulevard de Bercy, 75012 Paris, will host this spectacular event.
Event Details:
dates: February 1st - 2nd, 2025
Time: 1:00 AM - 11:59 PM (CET)
* Location: Accor Arena, Paris
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the world’s top judokas in action!
For more data and ticketing details, please contact france Judo.
Back on the Mat: An Interview with Judo Star, Shirine Boukli
The excitement surrounding the upcoming Paris grand Slam is palpable. After a historic summer at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the world’s best judokas will once again descend upon the Accor Arena for a weekend of thrilling competition. among them is Olympic medalist and reigning Grand Slam champion, Shirine Boukli. I had the pleasure of speaking with Shirine about her expectations for the tournament, the impact of Teddy Riner’s absence, and the challenges of defending her title.
Moderator: Shirine, welcome! The Paris Grand Slam is just around the corner. How are preparations going?
Shirine: Thank you! Preparations are going very well. It’s always great to compete at home,especially at the Accor Arena,which holds such astonishing energy from the fans. After the Olympics, I’ve had some time to reflect and recharge before diving back into training. The Paris Grand Slam is a fantastic platform to measure progress and set the tone for the year ahead.
Moderator: Speaking of the year ahead, it’s a packed schedule with the European Championships and world Championships on the horizon. Do these events influence your approach to the Grand Slam?
Shirine: Of course.The Grand Slam is the first major international competition of the year. It’s an chance to test my fitness, refine techniques, and assess my strengths and weaknesses against some of the world’s best. This gives me valuable insights that I can build upon for the European and World Championships later in the year.
Moderator: The judo world will certainly miss seeing legendary Teddy Riner on the mat. What’s your take on his absence due to injury?
Shirine: Teddy’s absence is definitely felt.He’s a true icon of the sport, a source of inspiration for so many judokas, including myself. His dedication and achievements have elevated judo to new heights. Of course, we wish him a speedy and complete recovery.
Moderator: Do you think his absence changes the dynamics of the competition?
Shirine: It certainly creates space for other athletes to make a mark. the field is always competitive at the Grand Slam, but Teddy’s absence might encourage a few judokas who might otherwise have been hesitant to go for more aggressive tactics. It will be fascinating to see how it unfolds.
Moderator: You’re the reigning champion, facing the pressure of defending your title. How do you handle the weight of expectation?
Shirine: It’s a privilege and a challenge. There’s always pressure in competition, but I try to focus on my own performance, on executing my techniques to the best of my ability. I draw confidence from my training and from the incredible support I receive from my coaches and fans.
Moderator: Well, Shirine, we’re all eagerly anticipating seeing you on the mat in Paris. Any final words for our readers?
Shirine: For anyone interested in judo, come experiance the excitement of the Paris Grand Slam! Witnessing these incredible athletes in action is truly inspiring. And to all my fellow competitors: Let’s make it a memorable tournament!
Moderator: Thank you so much for your time and insights, Shirine. Best of luck at the Grand Slam!
Readers, what are your predictions for the Paris Grand Slam? Does Teddy Riner’s absence change your expectations? Let’s share our thoughts in the comments below.
