The fourth edition of the IJF Samsun Grand Prix is set to begin on the north coast of Turkey tomorrow ©IJF

The fourth edition of the International Judo Federation (IJF) Samsun Grand Prix is set to begin on the north coast of Turkey tomorrow with the end of the qualification process for this year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro rapidly approaching.

The three-day event is due to see 398 judoka from 67 countries compete in 14 categories at the Yasar Dogu Sports Arena.

It is the fourth Grand Prix of the year and comes on the back of Georgia’s capital Tbilisi hosting the third last weekend.

The official draw of the competition was held today at the Anemon Hotel, where IJF head sports director Vladimir Barta stressed the importance of the Grand Prix.

"Every point is now counting for the Olympic qualification," he said.

"Within a few weeks, we will know the exact list of the Rio Games participants.

"Some athlete’s already have the guarantee to participate in the Olympics, [but] this is not the case for everyone.

"Thus, this Grand Prix is very significant for all delegations: for some to confirm their already good performances and for the others to win the points that will make the difference."

The Yasar Dogu Sports Arena held the 2015 edition of the IJF Samsun Grand Prix
The Yasar Dogu Sports Arena held the 2015 edition of the IJF Samsun Grand Prix ©IJF

Samsun first hosted an IJF Grand Prix in 2013 but it is the first time the city has done so in an Olympic year.

"For several years, Samsun has been hosting the Grand Prix, which is a very important event on the IJF World Judo Tour," said Fatih Uysal, President of the Turkish Judo Federation.

"The city is all ready for the competition and we have a great sports hall here.

"This really shows how Samsun gives importance to this organisation.

"This edition of the Samsun Grand Prix will have a special meaning as we are close to Rio 2016 and to the end of the qualification process.

"We hope that the Turkish team and our judoka will have a chance to win medals and crucial points."

Competition is due to get underway tomorrow with the women’s under 48 kilogram, under 52kg and under 57kg categories, and men’s under 60kg and under 66kg classes all taking centre stage.

An intriguing women's under 48kg category features Brazil's London 2012 Olympic gold medallist Sarah Menezes, who will no doubt face strong competition from home favourites Dilara Lokmanhekim and Ebru Sahin.

Azerbaijan's Nijat Shikhalizada, the Baku 2015 Grand Slam winner, is the one to beat in the men's under 66kg class with Belarus' Dzmitry Shershan and Great Britain's Colin Oates also expected to be pushing for a place on the podium. 

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