Competition will take place tomorrow at the Palace of Sports DIVS venue in the Russian city.

European Judo Federation President Sergey Soloveychik welcomed athletes to the event and thanked the Russian Copper Company for sponsoring the Championship.

"Russia has a successful history of staging important European and international judo events," Soloveychik said.

"The European Mixed Team Judo Championships in Ekaterinburg is a unique event because it will provide specific competitive conditions for our continent's athletes to prepare for the mixed team event that will be included in the Olympic Games to be staged in Tokyo in 2020.

"Ekaterinburg has become one of the leading sports centres in Russia and a large number of well-known athletes, world and Olympic champions are associated with this city."

Soloveychik added: "I want to extend my special appreciation to the Russian Copper Company whose incredible support has been so vital in preparation for these European Mixed Team Judo Championships.

"I sincerely hope that these Championships will bring you a lot of positive emotions and bright impressions.

"I wish good luck, strong health and success to all at this joyful event."

The weight categories will mirror those for the mixed team event at Tokyo 2020, where the discipline is scheduled to make its Olympic debut.

Female judokas will compete in the under-57 kilogram, under-70kg and over-70kg divisions, while the men’s under-73kg, under-90kg and over 90kg weights will be contested.

France are the top seeds for the tournament, with Russia, Germany and Romania also considered among the favourites.