Lausanne Brings Judo’s Leading Names Together

Lausanne is set to welcome a major international judo field as the city joins the IJF World Judo Tour. A total of 518 judoka representing 78 nations are entered, with European champions, world champions and Olympic medallists among the athletes arriving in the Olympic capital.

With LA 2028 already in sight, the Lausanne competition offers another important stage for many of judo’s established names. Europe has a particularly deep group in the entry list, led by athletes who have already delivered at the highest level.

Anna Monta Olek of Germany heads the overall entry list as world number one in the -78kg category. Her presence gives Germany a leading position from the start in a field packed with international quality.

Inal Tasoev, competing in the +100kg division, is also among the world ranking leaders. The double world champion has built a strong record of podium finishes across his competitions, and Lausanne gives him another chance to extend that consistency.

Germany’s team also includes Mascha Ballhaus, who arrives after taking silver at the Qingdao Grand Prix 2026 in the -52kg category. Her sister Seija Ballhaus will compete at -57kg, carrying the status of 2025 European champion as she looks to make an impact one category higher.

Lausanne’s 518-strong field puts Europe’s leading judoka in a demanding international test.

The scale of the entry list leaves plenty of possibilities open, but the German athletes begin with clear credentials. Olek, the Ballhaus sisters and Tasoev are among the key names to watch as Lausanne takes its place on the World Judo Tour.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union