The event began with a host video celebrating Uzbekistan, welcoming the world with the message, “WELCOME TO GRAND SLAM JUDO.” From the very first moments, the tone was set, this was more than a tournament; it was a statement of ambition and hospitality.
A theatrical performance entitled “Four Elements” followed, combining light, movement and symbolism in a tribute to strength, balance and harmony, values deeply rooted in judo itself. At the climax of the performance, Olympic champion Diyora Keldiyorova entered the arena accompanied by children representing the next generation of Uzbek sport. As the sequence concluded, the national flag of Uzbekistan descended from the stands, a powerful visual moment met with warm applause from the crowd.
The cultural celebration continued with a mass male performance in traditional national costume, culminating in the vibrant Andijan Polka, a dynamic folk dance that brought energy and colour to the arena. The hosts then took to the stage to greet the assembled guests, athletes and officials.
“Good evening, dear guests, participants and athletes,” they began, reminding the audience that February in Tashkent is both the anticipation of spring and also the moment when the pulse of world judo beats strongly in Uzbekistan. They welcomed the global judo family to Humo Arena, now firmly established as one of the leading venues on the international calendar.
Gratitude was expressed to the International Judo Federation, the Ministry of Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan, as well as sponsors and partners whose support made the event possible.
From 27th February to 1st March, 39 nations are competing under the arena’s roof. The hosts underlined the quality of the field, noting that Olympic medallists, world champions and major international prize-winners are among those stepping onto the tatami in pursuit of ranking points and grand slam glory.
The official segment of the ceremony saw distinguished guests invited to the stage: IJF President Marius Vizer; Adkham Ikramov, Minister of Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan; First Deputy Chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan and Olympic Council of Asia Vice President Otabek Umarov; Uzbekistan Judo Federation President Azizjon Kamilov.
The Minister of Sports delivered the opening address. He welcomed the international community to Tashkent and emphasised Uzbekistan’s commitment to the development of sport and youth through judo.
Adkham Ikramov said, "Your Excellency Mr Marius Vizer, president of the International Judo Federation, dear athletes and coaches, distinguished referees, guests and fans. On behalf of the Minister of Sport, sport society and on behalf of the National Olympic Committee, I welcome you warmly to Tashkent and to the judo grand slam tournament. It is a great honour for us to host one of the most prestigious events on the world judo calendar. These days, Tashkent becomes a centre of global judo. More than 370 athletes from 40 countries are competing here.
Judo is more than a sport. Judo stands as a true leader in sport diplomacy, bringing people together beyond borders, languages and differences. It creates a respectful and equal environment where representatives of all countries compete under the same rules and the same principles of fairness. Uzbekistan appreciates theses values deeply. We share this spirit of openness and mutual respect and we are proud to welcome the global judo family to Tashkent in this atmosphere. Once again, thank you to IJF President Marius Vizer.
Thanks to the consistent support and attention of the esteemed president of the Republic of Uzbekistan, H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, today Uzbekistan’s judo system includes more than 30,000 athletes and more than 1,000 coaches.
We express our sincere gratitude to the International Judo Federation, for the trust and support given to the Judo Federation of Uzbekistan, to the referees, volunteers, medical teams and all partners of this tournament for their tremendous work to make this event possible.
Dear guest, may the tatami be a place of fair, beautiful and safe competition. We wish the spectators unforgettable emotions and a true celebration of the sport. Once more, welcome to Tashkent, welcome to Uzbekistan. Thank you!"
The floor was then given to Mr Vizer who opened the OTP Group Tashkent Grand Slam 2026 formally.
Marius Vizer then declared, "Your Excellency, Minister of Sport of Uzbekistan, dear friend Adkham, distinguished vice-president of the National Olympic Committee, dear friend Otabek, distinguished general secretary of the Olympic Committee, dear friend Oybek and dear President Azizjon Kamilov, dear spectators, judo family, dear athletes, I had the honour today to visit the Olympic centre and I can really tell you, it's an international Olympic centre, in terms of standards, investments, dedication and support to Uzbek and International sports.
I want to thank and congratulate H.E., the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the whole government, the Olympic committee, sport ministry, the judo federation, for this magnificent project which is a big support for the world of sport. The great development of your country in the last period shows your respect for culture and the traditions but also shows a great future for your nation in the economy, culture and sport.
Today the world is confronted with many wars, even new wars, which is a tragedy for humanity. In these difficult and turbulent times, the judo family is united, it co-operates and works together. I thank all of you, all nations, all athletes, the whole judo community, for being united, a model for the world in unity, friendship and peace. Thank you to all of you because by supporting judo, you support peace; judo supports peace."
In a moment of solemn respect, the anthem of the Republic of Uzbekistan was performed, followed by the anthem of the International Judo Federation. As the official part drew to a close, the hosts thanked the audience for their respect and reaffirmed the unifying power of sport.
“Sport unites countries, cultures and people,” they declared. “And now, on this tatami, the main thing begins: fair competition, mastery and strength of spirit.” With those words, the OTP Group Tashkent Grand Slam 2026 was ready to deliver elite judo at the highest level.