While the best judoka in the world were showing their prowess at the National Arena in Baku, the next generation of Azeri judoka and the international media were introduced to the new facility where they will hone their craft and work together to take judo to the next level in Azerbaijan.
The new Sumqayit Judo Training Centre, which prominently featured the logos of the International Judo Federation and the Azerbaijan Judo Federation on the outside, has a permanent and sizable dojo on the first floor where everyone gathered the inaugurate the new facility.
The venture has been funded by the Azerbaijan Judo Federation and junior team members were on hand to receive gifts including new judogi from Mr. VIZER, Mr. RAHIMOV and Mr. ABDULLAYEV.
Mr. VIZER said: “Dear Azerbaijan Judo Federation President, Mr. ABDULLAYEV, dear media, dear judoka, officials, all members of the judo family and guests, I would like firstly to congratulate you all for the excellent organisation of the World Championships.
“I want to thank the government of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, I thank you all for everything you have done towards the success of this event.
“Judo is not only an Olympic sport, judo is an educational tool and is a sport which offers integration through a deep set of values.
“The champions are very important but is more important to be champions in life. Judo has a role to play in this and to help to develop societies.
“I am very impressed with the centre. I an pleased by the level of importance value which Azerbaijan has for sport and our sport of judo is proud of all of you and everything you have achieved.
“I wish all the best to you in sport and in life.”
Mr. VIZER also presented with a series of awards to conclude the visit to the new facility which will now form a key base for the country’s strongest judo prospects.
Following the visit to the new centre, the delegation moved on to the national training centre which is located inside the Olympic stadium which served as the main venue for the 2015 European Games.
Members of the national team were on the tatami training while Mr. VIZER and Mr. RAHIMOV received a tour of the centre including the dojo, gym facility and well-stocked trophy room.
The group posed for a photo in front of the trophy cabinet, one which the host nation will aim to add to on the three remaining days of competition in Baku including Thursday’s mixed team competition.
The 2018 World Judo Championships, the first ever to be staged in Azerbaijan, runs until Thursday 27 September and you can see all the action live here on the IJF website.