The National Folk Music Ensemble opened proceedings playing a rousing set of traditional Mongolian music, dressed stunningly and filling the arena with smiles. The applause was sustained but it was not the end of the show. A local dance troupe then took the floor and delighted everyone in the Steppe Arena with characterful choreography and fun presentation.
Mongolian Judo Association President Mr Khaltma Battulga then addressed those gathered, “Dear President Marius Vizer, esteemed athletes, coaches, referees and officials, honorable judo enthusiasts and supporters, thank you all for coming to participate in the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam 2025 and for visiting Mongolia. Welcome to the land of eternal blue sky.
I am delighted that athletes from 29 countries are testing their strength, agility and skills at the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam, a tournament that awards world ranking points and this year is being hosted in our country for the third time."
"I express my sincere gratitude to the president of Mongolia, the government, the mayor of Ulaanbaatar, and the team of the International Judo Federation for their exceptional support and co-operation while organising this highly significant grand slam tournament in Mongolia.
Throughout history, sport has been a powerful voice for unity and peace, even in the most difficult times. I am confident that through sport, we will continue to promote and strengthen unity, peace and the ideals of Olympism, and further develop our co-operation in these noble endeavours.
To all the athletes participating in the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam 2025, I wish you success in this fair competition of judo, a sport of unity and great respect. Unity leads to success. Thank you.”
Naser Al Tamimi, IJF General Treasurer then spoke on behalf on the International Judo Federation, “Dear President Battulga, dear judo family, on behalf of the IJF President Mr Marius Vizer, we would like to thank the government of Mongolia and the National Olympic Committee for supporting the grand slam of Ulaanbaatar and always supporting judo. I would like to thank our national and global sponsors and the national and international media for covering the beautiful grand slam in Ulaanbaatar. I wish everyone to enjoy being here for this event.”
The opening ceremony came to a close just minutes before the final block, an eagerly awaited series of exciting contests, including important gold medal contests for the host team.