Meanwhile, judo has been punctuated in no small way by an opening ceremony that reminded us of why we love the sport and also why Baku is a perfect host city for the World Judo Tour. This prestigious tournament welcomes 62 nations from all over the world and all their flags were flown during the opening ceremony, to a backdrop of music and applause.
Mrs Mariana Vasiliyeva, Deputy Minister for Youth and Sport, opened the welcome speeches, “Dear guests, dear friends, ladies and gentleman, on behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Sport of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I welcome you to Baku."
"Our capital has now hosted this grand slam tournament for the 10th time; judo is among the traditional sports of our country. Our athletes have been pleasing us with their success for many years. All this is the result of the special care and attention given to sport by the President of the country and President of the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan, Mr Ilham Aliyev.
Today, 404 judoka from 62 countries of the world gathered here. The race is extremely important for the athletes on the eve of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
I congratulate the management, organising committee and volunteers of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation for this great event and I wish all the participants success both in this competition and at the Olympic Games. Let the strongest win!”
President Nabiyev of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation said, “As the Paris 2024 summer Olympic Games are approaching, athletes are trying to build their luck in a number of international competitions and this is good for the sport."
"President Ilham Aliyev plays an exceptional role in the development of sports in Azerbaijan. We are doing our best for the development of judo in our country. This year, our judoka, from different age groups, performed in international competitions successfully. In the last two years, the number of girls and boys engaged in this effort has reached 10,000. I am sure that our judoka will make us happy at the upcoming Olympic Games."
IJF President Mr Marius Vizer then stepped forward, “Distinguished Azerbaijan Judo Federation President Mr Rashad Nabiyev, dear Mrs Valiyeva, Deputy Minister for Youth and Sport, first of all I would like to congratulate the nation’s president for his re-election as the president of Azerbaijan. His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev is a great supporter of the sport at both the national and international level. I would also like to congratulate the Azeri federation, including the previous federation leaders, especially for the opening of the new training centre which will be an important place for national and international training and also as a partner venue for the IJF Academy.
Congratulations Mr Nabiyev for all the champions of Azerbaijan, for their performances at all levels and all around the world. I wish all of you a successful competition in Baku and I declare the Baku Grand Slam open. Thank you.”
Then followed the national anthem of Azerbaijan and the IJF anthem.
