Sagi Muki will be part of a strong Israeli team in Tel Aviv ©Getty Images

Israel is poised to a host a leg of the International Judo Federation (IJF) World Tour for the first time with the Tel Aviv Grand Prix beginning tomorrow.

Nearly 400 judoka from 53 countries have signed on to take part in the first event of 2019 at the Shlomo Arena.

The competition was announced by IJF President Marius Vizer at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam in October, following Israel's problems at the 2017 edition of the event.

Host nation the United Arab Emirates has no diplomatic relations with Israel and forced their athletes to compete under the IJF flag.

Israel's Tal Flicker won men's under-66 kilograms gold in 2017, a victory which highlighted the stance to the watching sporting world.

In response, the IJF suspended the Abu Dhabi event but it eventually went ahead as planned last year after authorities promised that Israelis would be allowed to compete without discrimination.

The nation duly competed with their flags and symbols with Sagi Muki winning a gold medal.

Vizer promoted a message of "solidarity, friendship and peace" when announcing the Tel Aviv Grand Prix for 2019 and 2020.

Israel has selected a big squad of 43 athletes including European champion Muki in the men's under-81 kilograms.

Flicker, at under-66kg, will also be in action alongside under-100kg world number three Peter Paltchik and over-100kg Olympic bronze medallist Or Sasson.

Tal Flicker will be another big name in the home squad ©Getty Images
Tal Flicker will be another big name in the home squad ©Getty Images

In women's action, Agadir Grand Prix winner Timna Nelson Levy will be one to watch for the hosts at under-57kg as well as European bronze medallist Gefen Primo at under-52kg.

Stars from overseas include France's former World Championship bronze medallist Helene Receveaux at under-57kg.

Britain's Natalie Powell, herself a World Championship bronze medallist at under-78kg, will also be in action alongside Azerbaijan's Olympic under-73kg silver medallist Rustam Orujov.

Competition will take place over three days.

"It is a great honour for Israel to host for the first time an IJF World Judo Tour event," said Israel Judo Association President Moshe Ponte.

"We have 53 nations from five continents taking part and for that I congratulate the judoka and delegates. 

"As Israel we are very proud and doing everything for you with love and we hope you will become our goodwill ambassador. 

"I wish good luck to all of you."

Watch all the action on Judo TV.