Paris 2024: High hopes for hometown hero Martinet in Para judo

Para judo at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will take place in the impressive Champ de Mars Arena, built near the Eiffel Tower using sustainable materials. The arena, known for hosting art, fashion, and sports events, will offer a unique setting for the competition.

Judo, which started in Japan in the late 19th century, is one of two martial arts featured at this year’s Paralympics. Para judo made its debut in Seoul in 1988 with six men’s events. Women’s events were added in Athens 2004, and by Tokyo 2020, there were 13 events. For Paris 2024, there will be 16 events—eight for men and eight for women—split into four weight categories each for two classifications: B1 (complete blindness) and B2 (visual impairments).

In para judo, athletes try to pin, throw, hold, or immobilize their opponent. The goal is to score an ‘ippon,’ which means throwing the opponent on their back, making them submit, or pinning them down for 20 seconds. Two ‘waza-ari’ points, a less decisive version of ippon, can also win the match. If no ippon or waza-ari is scored, the match is decided by the highest score, with ties going to Golden Score, where the first point scored wins.

Because of their visual impairments, para judoka start each match by gripping their opponent’s uniform, known as ‘judogi.’ They rely on touch and other senses to compete.

Japan has traditionally been strong in para judo, but recent Paralympics have seen new contenders. Azerbaijan dominated at Tokyo 2020, winning six gold medals, but with more countries competing, Paris 2024 is expected to be highly competitive.

Here are five athletes to watch:

1. Kapil Parmar (India): The world No.1 in the J1 -60kg category, Parmar aims to win India’s first judo medal at the Paralympics. He’s looking to make history after recent successes.
2. Seyed Meysam Banitaba Khoram Abadi (Iran): In the same weight category as Parmar, Banitaba won gold at the IBSA Grand Prix. Iran is eager to build on their success from Tokyo 2020.
3. Sandrine Martinet (France): A local hero from Paris, Martinet is competing in her sixth Paralympics. At 41, she’s aiming for gold on home soil, having previously won silver and gold medals.
4. Florin Alexandru Bologa (Romania): The world No.1 in the J1 -73kg category, Bologa has won bronze twice before and hopes to achieve gold in Paris, fulfilling his biggest dream.
5. Azerbaijan’s Team: After a successful run in Tokyo, Azerbaijan’s judo team, which received a hero’s welcome at home, is expected to continue their strong performance in Paris.

Para judo events will be held at the Champ de Mars Arena from September 5-7.