Switzerland Wins 2028 Judo Worlds and Historic 10th Dan Honor

Switzerland just landed one of judo's biggest prizes while breaking barriers that have separated athletes for too long.

The International Judo Federation signed an agreement bringing the 2028 World Championships to Switzerland during the Lausanne Grand Slam this weekend. But the real story unfolded on the competition mats, where deaf judoka competed right alongside world tour athletes for the first time at a Grand Slam event.

The integration marks a powerful shift in how adaptive sports are viewed. Instead of separate competitions, deaf athletes stepped onto the same tatami as Olympic hopefuls, competing with equal respect and spotlight.

The Swiss crowd had plenty to cheer about beyond the historic announcements. Aurélien Bonferroni won bronze for the home nation at a venue packed with enthusiastic fans. His performance capped a strong showing from the entire Swiss team.

Germany's Miriam Butkereit captured gold at 70kg and summed up the electric atmosphere perfectly. "Yesterday the school children were here, and always a good crowd, a loud crowd. I love it!" she said after her win.

Brazil's Daniel Cargnin stormed back with a dramatic counter technique to win the 73kg division. "I'm very happy because now it's important for the points to qualify for the Olympic Games," he explained, with Swiss World Champion Nils Stump watching from the stands.

The ceremony included a rare honor that happens perhaps once in a generation. Kazuhiro Mikami Sensei received his 10th dan, the highest rank achievable in judo. Only a handful of people in the sport's history have reached this pinnacle.

Why This Inspires

This event shows what happens when sports open their doors wider instead of building separate rooms. Deaf athletes didn't need a different competition or a consolation prize. They belonged on the same mat, in the same spotlight, with the same respect as every other competitor.

The packed arena of Swiss fans cheering for athletes from around the world proved that inclusive competition doesn't diminish the experience. It enriches it for everyone watching and competing.

One day in Lausanne delivered a major championship, a 10th dan honor, home country medals, and a blueprint for how adaptive athletes can be woven into elite competition naturally.