Numerous activities were carried out throughout the day to highlight women's judo. On the occasion of this global celebration, IJF President, Marius Vizer declared, "In the world of judo, we transcend a single day; we honur and celebrate women every day. The impact of women echoes through every facet of our sport and activity, with excellence as athletes, coaches, referees, technical officials, staff, administrators, directors, and board members, evolving into inspirational leaders and role models for our entire community."
Judo practised by women is an integral part of the big family of our sport. Today's performances, as well as the numerous celebrations that took place in Linz and around the world, prove this daily. There are more and more women athletes, referees, coaches, officials and judoka in general in the four corners of the planet, while at the next Olympic Games, exact parity will be respected between men and women.
The work of the IJF and its Gender Equality Commission is bearing fruit. Judo is developing everywhere and particularly thanks to women. Happy International Women's Day! We will keep promoting and inspiring inclusion in all sectors.
Just before the first final block, the opening ceremony of the competition took place. On this occasion, Dr Martin Poiger, Austrian Judo Federation President, declared, "Welcome to the second edition of the Upper Austria Grand Prix. For a rather small federation like ours, it's a huge step to organise this event. We thank the IJF and its president, Marius Vizer. This grand prix is important for the development of judo in the country, for the presence of the sport in the media and for our young athletes; it is important for our judo community. We have here in Linz a great atmosphere thanks to our athletes and all the athletes from around the world. Thank you to all volunteers and technicians. I can stand here smiling because I have a great team with me. Good luck to all participants."
Then the Governor of Upper Austria, Mr Thomas Stelzer took the floor, "I wish you a very warm welcome in Upper Austria. It's a great pleasure to have you here. This grand prix takes place for the second time which is very important for us. Upper Austria is the strong economic heart of Austria but we wouldn't be so strong without sport. Last year, we saw emotion and passion and spectacular fights. This is what we expect as well in 2024. Nearly 80 nations came together here. I'd like to thank you all for this dream come true for the second time. I wish you very great success and many ambitious and spectacular contests."
To close the opening speeches was, Mr Vlad Marinescu, IJF Director General. "Dear guests, ‘meine damen und herren, guten tag.’ It is a big pleasure for me, in the name of the IJF, its president and the entire Executive Committee, to be here with you. In an electrified stadium, having 528 of the world’s best judoka competing for a spot in Paris and showing great judo techniques is amazing. Judo is not only a sport. It displays values for society and humanity through emotion, passion and excellence. We are happy to be here in the city of Linz, in the country of Austria. Thank you to all our partners and sponsors for helping us to have this fantastic show of judo."
Before closing the ceremony, once again, Vlad Marinescu said, "I'd like to wish you a happy International Women's Day!"