(ATR)The world’s top judoka, including those from Israel, will compete in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates next month.
The International Judo Federation reinstated the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam this week, following a settlement that allows insignia and flags from all national federations to be displayed at the event.
The IJF suspended the Abu Dhabi event along with the Tunis Grand Prix in Tunisia in July due to discriminatory practices. Israeli flags were not allowed to be displayed at last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, and Israeli athletes were barred from competing at a taekwondo event in Tunisia earlier this year.
Tunisia is currently bidding for the 2022 Youth Olympic Games, although the incident with Israeli athletes led the IOC to partially suspend the bid. The IOC eventually reinstated Tunisia’s bid.
"The International Judo Federation salutes the efforts of the UAE Judo Federation as well as the fair-play and mutual friendship and respect shown by the UAE authorities, which represent a huge step forward in establishing and promoting peaceful relationships between all nations of the world," a statement from the IJF read.
"Together with our partners from the United Arab Emirates, IJF remains committed to the fight against any discrimination in sport and to using sport as a tool for reconciliation and promotion of peace and moral values in the world, inspiring the new generations."
The Abu Dhabi Judo Grand Prix will be held on October 27-29.
ISA Pushes for 2024, ’28 Games
The International Surfing Association says its campaign to be included in the Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics was bolstered by becoming the official sport of the state of California.
State legislators passed a law that designated surfing as the official sport of the state, noting the sport was first created in Hawaii. The law said that the sport reportedly generates $6 billion for the state of California.
"California is synonymous with Surfing. Across the state’s amazing coastline, countless world-renowned surf spots and authentic local surf culture, there is so much to celebrate as we look ahead to 2028," ISA President Fernando Aguerre said in a statement. "We are grateful to the state legislature for making official what many live every day – that this is the cultural home of modern-day Surfing."
The sport program for the 2024 Olympics will be decided by the IOC in 2019. The federation said it recently organized solidarity courses in Cape Verde and Iran as part of its global growth strategy.
Shooting Champs Underway
The Shooting World Championships are underway in Changwon, South Korea and will run until September 14.
The tournament serves as the first opportunity athletes have to secure quota places for Tokyo 2020. Shooters can still qualify through World Cup events in 2019 or designated continental championships from 2018-2020.
Written by Aaron Bauer
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