The enthusiasm for judo in Georgia is well-established, as the results of Georgian athletes demonstrate. Attending a judo competition here is always a special moment for all judo fans. The popular fervour and the ability of the national judoka to excel, combined with the desire of judoka from all other countries to perform here, always make this grand slam a memorable experience. Despite the fierce competition that reigns as major events loom on the horizon and the new Olympic cycle is now underway heading towards LA2028, Tbilisi offers a celebratory atmosphere of friendship, respect and sportsmanship every year.
The official draw of the Tbilisi Grand Slam 2025 took place today in the presence of Mr Mohamed Meridja, Education and Coaching Director, Mr Mike Tamura, Sport Director and Mr Armen Bagdasarov, Head Referee Director, for the IJF, and for the Georgian Judo Federation, their President Mr Levan Nozadze, Mr Giorgi Atabegashvili, vice-president, and Giorgi Sardalashvili, the current world champion at -60kg.
Mohamed Meridja said, "Dear oresident, dear judo family, honourable guests, ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you all to Tbilisi. On behalf of IJF President Mr Marius Vizer, I would like to express my warmest welcome to you all at this grand slam in 2025. I would like to thank the Georgian Judo Federation for all their efforts and their contribution to the success of the event. I wish all guests and the wider judo family a wonderful time in Tbilisi. Good luck and I assure you of our full support. Thank you!"
Mr Levan Nozadze declared, "Dear friends, honourable guests, we are happy and we are honoured to host the Tbilisi Grand Slam 2025. We would like to thank the International Judo Federation, its president, Mr Marius Vizer, and his team for giving us the opportunity to host this event once again. We would like to thank our Ministry of Sport of Georgia, our partners and sponsors for their support. I would also like to thank our federation and its team. I hope that the athletes give their best, fighting with honour and respect. I wish all athletes good luck and an unforgettable experience. Thank you!"
Giorgi Atabegashvili then added, "It is a great honour for us to once again host this prestigious tournament, which has already become an important part of world judo. Georgia is a country of judo, where this sport is not only a symbol of success but also a part of our tradition and national identity.
A special welcome and thank you to the athletes, coaches and delegations from different countries of the world. Your presence here adds even more strength and prestige to this tournament. We believe that you will offer us great fights and give us unforgettable emotions. The history of Georgian judo is full of victories. Our champions have repeatedly named our country on the international arena. Today we continue on this great path and are ready to conquer even higher peaks. I wish success to each athlete! May this tournament become a celebration of friendship, respect and true sportsmanship!"
The technical formalities of the draw were introduced by Armen Bagdasarov, who announced the presence of 15 referees, among the best on the world circuit. The draw was conducted by Mr Mike Tamura, who initiated the procedure for the 14 categories involved.
After the draw, Giorgi Sardalashvili said, "It's the first time that I am present during the draw of an event. It's very interesting and I was really curious about it. I enjoyed being here and sitting on the other side, even if of course, I prefer to compete." Giorgi Sardalashvili will not be on the tatami this season but will be happy to follow his teammates and encourage them.
In total, 385 athletes from 52 countries will participate in the event. On days 1 and 3, the first contests will begin at 11:00, while the competition will launch at 10:00 on day 2, the final block being at 17:00 on each day.
Follow all the action on https://judotv.com/