The 25-year-old claimed victories at the 2014 and 2016 events before winning a historic first Olympic medal for Kosovo with gold at Rio 2016.

A two-time world champion, Kelmendi will be favourite to win gold once again in the under-52 kilograms division but will face tough competition.

Israel's Gil Cohen, Romania's Alexandra-Iarisa Florian and another Kosovan in Distria Krasniqi will be among other challengers.

Unseeded Belgian Charline van Snick is another intriguing entry given how she has previously won two titles in the under-48kg division.

In the absence of Frenchman Teddy Riner, Kelmendi is set to be among the biggest stars competing in the Polish capital.

Competitions will also take place tomorrow in the women's under-48kg and 57kg divisions and in the men's under-60kg and under-66kg events.

Georgia's Vazha Margvelashvili is another defending champion among the entries in the latter category.

He has also already won the Dusseldorf Judo Grand Prix event this year. 

Another Israeli in Tal Flicker could be among his closest challengers. 

Nora Gjakova could make Kosovo's day even better as a leading entry in the under-57kg event.

In the absence of reigning champion Automne Pavia, the French team will be led by Helene Raceveaux. 

Milica Nikolic of Serbia is the top seed for the under-48kg event following 2016 winner van Snick's departure.

Last year's silver medallist Orkhan Safarov of Azerbaijan is the world number one and favourite for under-60kg honours. 

Competitions in the women's under-63 and under-70kg and the men's under-73kg and under-81kg divisions are due to take place on Friday (April 21).

The women's under and over 78kg and the men's under and over 100kg divisions will then be held on Saturday (April 22).

Competition is set to conclude with team competitions the following day. 

In total, 400 athletes from 42 countries are set to compete.