The World Judo Tour resumes tomorrow in the Hungarian capital for the first time since March, when the International Judo Federation (IJF) suspended competition due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judoka will have to follow strict health and safety protocols.

All athletes and staff members have been tested before the tournament and are currently living in a COVID-19-secure bubble, only travelling from the hotel to the arena.

They are required to wear a face mask unless they are competing, while the mats are set to be regularly sanitised and cleaned.

No spectators will be allowed at the event. 

Despite the restrictions, Italy's Basile is set to contest the men's under-66 kilograms division, with Argentina's Pareto fighting in the women's under-48kg.

World champion Daria Bilodid is set to take part in the under-52kg weight class, despite the Ukrainian topping the world rankings in the under-48kg. 

Spain's Nikoloz Sherazadishvili and France's Marie-Eve Gahié are among the other stars competing, and will feature in the men's under-90kg and women's under-70kg categories respectively. 

Czech star Lukáš Krpálek, the Rio 2016 gold medallist and reigning world champion in the under-100kg, withdrew from the event after testing positive for coronavirus.

More than 500 competitors from 75 countries are set to take part in the tournament in total.

Hungarian Judo Federation President Laszlo Toth was joined at this afternoon's draw for the contest by IJF President Marius Vizer, who welcomed participants to the event. 

"This event is a sign of courage, initiative and unity and I thank the Hungarian government for their important collaboration," he said.

"This is a difficult time for everyone but especially for combat sports. 

"I hope that with this big effort we can begin to adapt to the current situation and step by step reclaim our place."

Vizer also spoke about the challenges facing organisers of judo events and asked participants to comply with the health and safety protocols. 

"Solidarity and loyalty come in many forms and we must understand that it has not been easy to manage the global conditions present, acknowledging that different regions have some different challenges," he said.

"This idea continues as we support the continental unions towards the staging of their continental championships. 

"We know that each region has many challenges and not all are presented equally. 

"This is a unique time and we must all work within the combined rules of our federations, governments and current environments. 

"I ask for everyone to stay calm and support the common goal of safety.

"I thank the judo family in these difficult moments - we hope to be able to retake control of our normal activities soon."

Competition at the László Papp Budapest Sports Arena begins tomorrow and concludes on Sunday (October 25).