The further we progress in this Olympic season, the more we will have early starts. We are not going to complain about it, as it demonstrates the popularity of judo and especially the enthusiasm that Olympic participation, in less than a year, generates within the national teams.
It must be said that Baku did things in a big way and the Azerbaijan Judo Federation spared no effort to offer a new edition of a grand slam which promises to be exciting. The stadium is decorated magnificently, the red and yellow tatami perfectly displayed on a raised platform, like the Olympic Games, so that the public, already present at 8:30 a.m., can get a taste of what awaits them in the months to come. For all those who are not in Baku, there is obviously the possibility of following the competition on https://judotv.com/ and on social networks.
It would be a long process to list all the competitors who are already in action on day 1. For sure we will come back to this in the end-of-day summaries. Let us nevertheless mention already Assunta Scutto (ITA) and Shirine Boukli (FRA) at -48kg, whose state of form we are waiting to see; Balabay Aghayev (AZE), who although seeded number one, lost in the first round at -60kg, while Francisco Garrigos (ESP) returns to competition with his new, flamboyant, red world champion back patch; Distria Krasniqi (KOS), Odette Giuffrida (ITA), Chelsie Giles (GBR), who in less time than it takes to say it, already emerged from the troop of contenders for the title in -52kg; a -66kg category which promised to be very dense and which quickly demonstrated that the promise lived up to expectations; finally in the -57kg, a Rafaela Silva, top seed, who found herself on the way to the locker room early after the first contest.
Yes, Baku was eagerly awaited and yes Baku is ready. In a few hours, at the end of this first day, we will take stock and in a few days, we will know more before the next Abu Dhabi Grand Slam. The world circuit has so much to deliver and offer. You are guaranteed to never get bored and get excited.