1000 judokas fill central Budapest to launch 2017 World Championships

Video. 1000 judokas fill central Budapest to launch 2017 World Championships

A thousand judokas have marched to Heroes Square in Budapest in a very unusual flashmob. “Judo for the World” is the official campaign opening for the judo world championship this autumn in the Hungarian capital.

A thousand judokas have marched to Heroes Square in Budapest in a very unusual flashmob. “Judo for the World” is the official campaign opening for the judo world championship this autumn in the Hungarian capital.

Practitioners of all ages gathered waving flags and dressed for the occasion, and many will be hoping Hungary will continue its tradition of punching, or in this case throwing, well above its weight on the international sporting stage.

World championship bronze medalist Karakas Hedvig is recovering from injury.

“The love of the fans can provide a lot of support, and this can help you tap your hidden reserves,” she said.

The opening ceremony of the campaign released 2017 pigeons into the square, and hopes are high the championships will boost the already popular sport in Hungary.

“After the 2013 European championships and three grand prix events Hungary now hosts judo’s blue ribbon tournament, the world championships. More than 700 judokas from 120 countries will be here from 28th of August,” reports euronews’ Horváth Ferenc, in Budapest.