Paris 2024 Paralympic Games | Programme, favourites... Everything you need to know about the Para judo

From 5 to 7 September, the Para judo events at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will take place at the Champ de Mars Arena. On the Parisian tatamis, the athletes in this discipline will have to give their all to win precious medals.

Where?

The 16 medal events will take place at the Champ de Mars Arena. During the Olympic Games, the arena hosted wrestling and judo, with Teddy Riner winning his historic third individual title and Cuban wrestler Mijain Lopez his fifth.

The athletes will be competing in 4-minute bouts with the aim of inflicting an ippon on their opponents. It should be noted that a golden score will be awarded in the event of a tie at the end of regulation time, and that there are four differences compared with Olympic judo: the combatants start with a grip in place, the referee is authorised to accompany the athletes, the combat area is clearly delimited, and the duration of a combat can be two or three times longer, since all stops are counted.

When?

Three days are reserved for the Para judo competitions at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The competitions are scheduled for Thursday 5 September, Friday 6 September and Saturday 7 September, with 16 medal events.

What are the classification rules?

Two disability categories are represented in Para judo, where only the visually impaired are allowed to compete:

• J1: blind
• J2: visually impaired

Then, as in Olympic judo, judokas are divided into weight classes:

• -48 kg, -57 kg, -70 kg, +70 kg for women
• -60 kg, -73 kg, -90 kg, +90 kg for men

Who?

One of the big favourites in the Para judo events at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Sandrine Martinet, a local contender, seems unstoppable in her bid for a medal in the J2 -48 kg category. A four-time reigning Paralympic medallist, she will be aiming for a fifth consecutive podium finish. The 9-strong French delegation is also highly ambitious, with Hélios Latchoumanaya (J2 -90 kg), Nathan Petit (J2 -73 kg) and Cyril Jonard (J1 -90 kg) among its ranks.

Other Para judokas are expected to shine at the Champ de Mars Arena, including Wang Yue (J2 -70 kg), Florin Alexandru Bologa (J1 -73 kg), Wilians de Araujo (J1 +90 kg), Yujiro Seto (J2 -73 kg), Shi Yijie (J1 -57 kg) and Liu Li (J1 -70 kg).

How can you attend?

Tickets are available from the official Paris 2024 ticket office. For the return match after the Olympic Games, take advantage of the opportunity and treat yourself to a second dose of happiness and thrills!