The first two days of competition will begin at 9 a.m., while the third day will begin at 9:30 a.m. Each day will conclude with the final block beginning at 5:00 p.m. local time, at the Olympic Sports Palace. Traditionally, on day 1, the first five lightweight categories will start.
During the draw, Mr Michael Tamura, Sport Director, Mr Mohamed Meridja, Education and Coaching Director, and Mr Armen Bagdasarov, Head Refereeing Director, represented the IJF while the Georgian side was represented by Mr Ioseb Baghaturia, Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports, Mr Giorgi Atabegashvili, President of the Georgian Judo Federation, and Mr Ilia Sulamanidze, Georgian national team, world number 1 at -100 kg. Sulamanidze was happy to participate in the draw in a relaxed way. He will not compete but will watch his teammates and the other judoka carefully as there is always a lot to learn.
During his welcome speech, Mr Mohamed Meridja declared, "Dear judo family, on behalf of Marius Vizer, president of the International Judo Federation, I would like to express my warmest welcome to the officials, athletes and coaches at the grand slam 2024. I take this opportunity to thank the president of the Georgian Judo Federation for all his efforts and his contribution towards the success of the event. I also want to thank the partners, sponsors and media for this continuous collaboration. We wish the judo federation good luck and insure them with our full support. I wish all the guests and judo family a good time in Tbilisi."
Mr Ioseb Baghaturia declared, "First of all I extend a warm welcome to the representatives of the International Judo Federation and the Georgian Judo Federation. It is a pleasure to see that our beautiful city of Tbilisi is hosting a grand slam for the fourth consecutive time. Georgia has a rich tradition in this sport and hosting such a prestigious event holds a significant place for us.
On behalf of the Minister of Sports, I extend my best wishes to all athletes participating in this grand slam, especially to our judoka. I am confident they will bring joy to Georgian fans and secure numerous medals this year.
With 2024 being an Olympic year, we eagerly anticipate the Paris Olympics and hope for a remarkable and memorable experience for Georgian judoka. The Ministry of Sports is committed to fostering the popularity of judo in Georgia, ensuring continuous support in the future. May you have the courage and the determination to reach your goals. May fortune and success be with you."
Mr Giorgi Atabegashvili said, "It is a great honour and pleasure to welcome you all to the Tbilisi Grand Slam 2024, one of the most prestigious events in the IJF judo calendar. We are happy to host this event in our beautiful and historic city which is a symbol of the rich culture and tradition of Georgia.
The Tbilisi Grand Slam 2024 is not only a showcase of the best judo athletes in the world but also an opportunity to strengthen friendships and solidarity among the judo family.
We are grateful particularly to the president Mr Marius Vizer and the International Judo Federation for their continuous support and co-operation.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Georgian government, Ministry of Culture and Sports, sponsors, all partners, volunteers, media and officials who have contributed to the organisation and success of this event. I would also like to thank all the judoka, coaches and delegations for their hard work and dedication to the sport of judo.
We wish you all a wonderful stay in Tbilisi, and I hope you will enjoy the spectacular judo action that awaits you. We invite you to discover the charm and hospitality of our city and the amazing attitude of our people, and to experience the spirit and values of judo. Thank you and good luck! Enjoy the majesty of Judo!"
For sure there will be successes and good fortune in Georgia. For sure there will be passion as well. This is what we like, especially in a true judo country!