During a vibrant opening ceremony, both national pride and global diversity were celebrated further. Warm speeches and a parade of flags, accompanied by the national anthem of Tajikistan and that of the IJF, energised the spectators who sang along throughout.
The first welcome was delivered by IJF Director General Mr Vlad Marinescu, “Dear president of the Tajikistan Judo Federation, President Ismoil Mahmadzoir, dear distinguished guests, dear judo family, on behalf of the president of the International Judo Federation, Mr Marius Vizer, it is my great honour and privilege to welcome you all to the Dushanbe World Championships Juniors 2024."
"Following a successful grand slam in May this year, the judo family is gathered to celebrate the junior world championships this year. It is an honour for the judo family to be in the beautiful city Dushanbe and we extend our gratitude and appreciation to Mayor Rustam Emomali.
For judo, you have made history with 2 bronze medals won by Somon Makhmadbekov and Temur Rakhimov. Tajikistan’s success at the Games proves the strong support and attention from President Emomali Rahmon. The great performance of the Judoka, guided by the judo federation president, Mr Ismoil Mahmadzoir, is something all Tajik people can be proud of! Congratulations for these outstanding achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Tajikistan has truly welcomed us with open arms and I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for your exceptional hospitality and support in making this event possible, to the country, the federation president and the people. More than 500 judoka from over 60 nations are here; the future of our sport making their way to the LA28 Olympics. Dear athletes, you represent the new generation of judo and we are confident that the values, discipline and perseverance you demonstrate on and off the tatami will lead you to success.
In the name of the International Judo Federation and our president Mr Marius Vizer, we wish all the athletes the best of luck, the judo family a great show, so many of whom are watching live or from around the world on tv and JudoTV.
In closing, today is a very special day and I would like to wish, on behalf of the entire judo family, good health on the occasion of his birthday, to the president of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon.”
Tajikistan Judo Federation President Mr Ismoil Mahmadzoir then stepped on to the stage. “Dear Mr Vlad Marinescu, dear distinguished participants and guests, today we gather here in this hall at the opening ceremony of another important event in the world of judo and the sporting life of our dear Tajikistan, the Dushanbe World Championships Juniors 2024.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the visit of young judoka, their coaches, referees and officials of the International Judo Federation and the Judo Union of Asia to the land of the Tajiks."
"The development of sport in the Republic of Tajikistan is considered one of the main priorities of the state's social policy. Consistent effort from the government of Tajikistan, especially the detailed attention of the president of the Republic of Tajikistan, the leader of the nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, to this important sector of our society, created favourable conditions for the systematic development of sport in the country."
"Tajikistan as a fully-fledged member of the international community and international sports institutions, contributing to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, the development of various types of sport and their popularisation. Judo is considered one of the most popular sports in our country and has gained special popularity among our people, especially in the younger generations.
Thanks to state independence, Tajik athletes have the opportunity to participate in international competitions regularly and compete with honour, raising the profile of national sports, all as worthy representatives of our dear country. The Tajikistan Judo Federation has established beneficial co-operation with the International Judo Federation, the Judo Union of Asia and other relevant institutions for the development of judo in Tajikistan and the region.
Over the past few years, the city of Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, has hosted a number of prestigious judo competitions, including a grand prix and a grand slam, holding them at a high organisational level.
It is gratifying that at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, our judoka showed commendable competitiveness and won two bronze medals."
"Distinguished participants, it is a matter of pride for us that this world judo championship is being held in Tajikistan. This is a sign of trust and the recognition of our country's contribution to promoting the humanitarian mission of sport. We claim this responsibility and will do our utmost to hold this event at a high level.
It is worth mentioning that 531 promising young athletes from 67 countries of the world are participating in today's event. In our opinion, judo is not only a sport but also a philosophy based on fair competition, respect and improvement of one's physical discipline.
I am confident that today's event will become another occasion strengthening friendship and co-operation and will contribute to the popularisation of sport throughout the world. Today’s competition will lay a solid foundation for the further development of a healthy lifestyle, the promotion of judo and the training of young and promising athletes to represent their nations and states.
In conclusion, I wish you all a pleasant stay and good luck to the participants of today's competition. Thank you for your attention. I declare the Dushanbe World Judo Championships open!”
Tajikistan's 3 Olympic medallists, Rasul Boqiev (2008), Somon Makhmadbekov (2024) and Temur Rakhimov (2024) then walked the Tajik flag around the tatami to the cheers of the full house. The pride is palpable and heart-warming. Tajikistan's heroes closed the show.
Day 5 begins at 10:30am local time. The Dushanbe World Championships Juniors Mixed Teams is not to be missed; set your alarms and tune in to JudoTV to watch all the action live.