Strategising for the ‘who-goes-where’ for each national federation has been complicated and the final entry lists for the Qasaqstan Barysy Grand Slam weren’t known until the last moment, leaving predictions about the draws up in the air. Now though, it’s done. The official draw took place today at 2pm local time and so the first contests of each day are known and the medal predictions can begin.
Representing the International Judo Federation at the draw were Dr Lisa Allan, IJF Secretary General, Mr Skander Hachicha, IJF Sport Director and Mr Armen Bagdasarov, IJF Head Referee Director.
The Kazakhstan Judo Federation was represented by their President Mr Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev, General Secretary Mr Askhat Zhitkayev and Mr Serikbol Urazalin, KJF vice president.
Dr Lisa Allan opened proceedings, “Dear President Yessekeyev, dear Secretary General Zhitkeyev and Vice President Urazalin, dear judo family, on behalf of our President Mr Marius Vizer and the International Judo Federation we are delighted to be here together in Astana for the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam.
Having the experience of organising World Judo Masters, world championships and many other world and continental events, we thank the Kazakhstan Judo Federation for their dedication to always producing events at the highest standard. We appreciate the commitment and dedication of the federation staff, technical officials, volunteers and local sponsors as they are vital to the event’s success. Kazakh hospitality and kindness is appreciated by all.
With the Paris Olympic Games beginning in 78 days, we wish the athletes good luck as they continue to chase the final available qualification points and we thank all our member national federations and sponsors for their continued support. Let us all enjoy the next three days of what promises to be an exceptional display of world-class judo.”
Mr Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev then offered his welcome, “Dear colleagues and guests, welcome to Kazakhstan and to the Qasaqstan Barysy Grand Slam; we like to see you all here. Thanks to IJF for trusting us with this prestigious event. Thank you to the department of tourism and sport for supporting us. To all athletes here to compete at the highest level, we wish you good luck. Thank you.”
It was then announced that the first contests would begin on the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace tatami at 10 a.m. on day 1, days 2 and 3 beginning at 10:30 a.m. The final block, for medal contests only, would be at 5 p.m. each day.
Mr Armen Bagdasarov then noted the level of the referees present, “Dear Mr President, dear General Secretary and judo family, we will start with 15 of the best referees in the world and have also registered the supervisors and directors to ensure there is always transparency, neutrality and fair contests.”
Mr Skander Hachicha then continued with the offical draw process, “Good afternoon dear judo family. We have a total of 450 athletes from 84 countries; 215 women and 235 men will compete. Now we start the offical draw.”
Once all categories were known the draw closed with a reminder to tune into the JudoTV round up programme Golden Score at the end of each day’s competition.