36 countries are participating in the 2025 Baku Grand Slam. All of them were presented, before a video was shown that brought to life the most memorable moments and incredible achievements of Azerbaijani judo in 2024. Each victory in this journey represents hard work, passion and national pride. The public was invited to celebrate their remarkable success.
The president of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, Mr Rashad Nabiyev and the president of the International Judo Federation, Mr Marius Vizer, were invited to the stage.
Mr Nabiyev declared, "Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to the grand slam tournament in Baku. Having this significant tournament in Baku contributes to the development of judo in our country and increases its popularity. The grand slam tournament creates a high level competitive environment that brings the best judo from around the world to our country and it gives athletes the opportunity to gain valuable experience in this international arena.
For the record, last year was an historic year for Azerbaijani judo. Hidayat Heydarov and Zelym Kotsoiev became world and Olympic champions in the same year. Of course the basis of this achievement is the attention and care of our president, Mr Ilham Aliyev, for the development of sport and particularly for the youth. According to his instructions, our goal is not only to build champions but also to contribute to the formation of healthy and strong citizens on the tatami. I am taking this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to the president of the International Judo Federation, Mr Marius Vizer, for his unwavering support. I am confident that this tournament is held at the highest level and I am confident that the participants will leave our country with a pleasant impression. I wish success to all athletes who are participating in this tournament."
Before declaring the event officially open, Mr Vizer said, "Dear President Nabiyev, distinguished guests, dear spectators, partners, dear judo family members, I want to congratulate the president of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, the whole Azerbaijani judo family and Azerbaijan’s sporting family for the great success of their judoka at the Paris Olympic Games. I congratulate you as well for the development and promotion of the social and educational programmes of the IJF Judo in Schools project in Azerbaijan. I wish you a successful competition in Baku. All the best, enjoy Baku, Azerbaijan, a great country of innovation, technology, investment and youth."
The national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the IJF anthem were then played before the start of the final block. It was also a great occasion to celebrate the champions present in the audience, including Hidayat Heydarov and Zelym Kotsoiev, as well as double Olympic champion, Shohei Ono (JPN).