It is clear that COVID-19 gets more and more grip which immediately influences sporting events around the world. The Grand Slam in Ulaanbaatar will definitely feel the presence of the danger. Last week there were training camps in various places, the IJF World Tour recently had it’s Grand Slams in Antalya and Tbilisi and recently a lighter Covid protocol.
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the IJF has been focusing on the security of participants at all IJF events. The strict protocol that was implemented allowed World Judo Tour events to take place in the safest conditions possible. This protocol is adapted regularly, to follow the evolution of the pandemic itself as well as the procedures put in place throughout the world.
In its newest version, the protocol indicates that a milestone has been reached and from a strict bubble system and mask wearing, it is now possible to move to more friendly Covid-19 measures.
As the pandemic softens, the rules evolve in order to put a lighter burden on the judoka and coaches. Thus, from the initial total bubble system, World Judo Tour events are now opening up to a partial bubble where mouth masks are not obligatory but are recommended. In case of positive cases, it is always the local rules that must be applied as that is always a national standard
However in the world, the virus is gaining ground again. Olympic city Beijing will suspend all offline sports events starting from June 13 citing high transmission risks of a recent COVID-19 outbreak linked to a bar in the city, Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports said in a statement on Monday.
Also some athletes who prepared to come to Ulaanbaatar cancelled their flights and participation in Mongolia due to a positive test.
Spain was the first country in Europe, that started tackling Covid-19 as any other endemic respiratory virus like seasonal flu, despite WHO opposition and warnings that the approach is premature, which now seems to be the case.
It will be exciting to see what will happen in the next weeks when some of the major sporting events will be held such as Mediterranean Games, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. All competitions will include a judo program with some of the world’s top stars present.