Judo is a sport that demands a physical and strategic performance, testing the qualities of touch, balance and sensitivity. Competitors must use different techniques to overcome or immobilize their opponent. The sport is open to athletes with a visual impairment in several weight categories. The sport is governed by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) and follows the International Judo Federation (IJF) rules used at other top-level, able-bodied judo events, with slight modifications for athletes with a visual impairment, which allow them to contact their opponent before the start of the match. Judo was introduced as a Paralympic Games sport in Seoul in 1988 and is widely practiced in 30 countries by both male and female athletes. The ATHENS 2004 Paralympics was the first time that women competed in Judo.

(Credit: IPC. Click here for further information.)