IBSA Judo's new classification rules have come into force ©IBSA

International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) President Sandro Di Girolamo has promised the organisation will "do everything we can" to assist athletes affected by the significant changes to its classification system in judo.

New classification rules for the sport - which split athletes into two categories, J1 and J2 - came into effect on January 1.

J2 athletes will be blind, with J1 competitors partially sighted.

A four-year research project from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and 18-month community consultation billed as the largest ever undertaken by IBSA preceded the new rules being introduced.

The sport’s minimum impairment criteria has been raised under the changes, which have seen an increase in the number of judo medal events at the Paralympic Games from 13 to 16.

There will be eight men's and eight women's gold medals on offer at Paris 2024, split into four J1 and four J2 weight categories.

The IBSA has also claimed it has "strengthened provisions for the submission of and requirements for classification data and classification appointments".

Paralympic judo has undergone significant classification changes with a view to Paris 2024 ©Getty Images
Paralympic judo has undergone significant classification changes with a view to Paris 2024 ©Getty Images

Di Girolamo encouraged IBSA's members to "continue to support those athletes into other sports or careers if they have not already anticipated the change".

"We are happy to present the final classification rules to the members, coaches, athletes, researchers and classifiers and the whole judo community who have been involved with this significant project right from the start," said Di Girolamo.

"I would like to thank them all, as well as the Implementation Committee, and ask for the community to continue to work with us as we make this evidence-based change for the benefit of the future of judo. 

"It will create more opportunities for athletes with the most severe vision impairments to reach their potential on the mat, and make the sport more transparent for everyone overall.

"We do, however, appreciate that some current judoka may no longer be eligible once they are classified under the new rules. 

"IBSA encourages our members and National Federations to continue to support those athletes into other sports or careers if they have not already anticipated the change. We will do everything we can to help with that, and will publish more materials shortly.

“Overall we believe that IBSA Judo has a bright and exciting future and will continue to work to help it grow around the world."

The Egyptian Pyramids International Judo Championships, set to take place between March 22 and 29 in Alexandria, will be the first meeting to offer classification for athletes under the new system.