IJF president furious over judo venue preparations. GETTY IMAGES

The Judo tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics is set to kick off on Saturday, 27 July, but the Champ-de-Mars Arena, where the competition must be held, is not ready at this moment, Le Parisien reports.

According to the source, the International Judo Federation (IJF) president Marius Vizer was furious as he felt the mats were not sufficient for competition and did not meet the standards of the IJF.

IJF President Marius Vizer. GETTY IMAGES
IJF President Marius Vizer. GETTY IMAGES

Le Parisien also reports that the judo platform and the weighing apparatus were not ready as of 24 July. The organisers, though, promise that the Champ-de-Mars Arena will be ready at the start of the Games.

“There are still some points needing attention, such as the assembly of certain equipment and the claiming of the site. Our teams are fully mobilised to ensure these finishing touches,” added the Paris 2024 press service.

An exterior view of the Champ de Mars Arena ahead of judo and wrestling competition. GETTY IMAGES
An exterior view of the Champ de Mars Arena ahead of judo and wrestling competition. GETTY IMAGES

Judo was originally scheduled to take place at the Arena Bercy, the usual venue for the IJF Grand Slam. But the venue is already “occupied” by gymnastics, trampoline and the final stages of basketball.