Mr Yangug Sodbaatar delivered a message from H.E. Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, President of Mongolia, "Dear President of the International Judo Federation, Mr Marius Vizer, dear athletes, coaches and referees, dear guests, judo practitioners and loyal judo fans, my warmest greetings to you all.
I am delighted to meet you again in the capital city of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, as it hosts for the second time the grand slam which marks the qualification for the 33rd Summer Olympic Games, a symbol of global unity, which will be held in 2024 in Paris, France.
Mongolia organised the Chinggis Khan Super World Cup from 2009 to 2012, the Chinggis Khan Grand Prix from 2013 to 2016 and then for 2022 to 2025 our ranking was upgraded to organise the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam tournament.
🇲🇳🥋 We are delighted to have Mr. SODBAATAR Yangug, Chief of Staff of the Office of the President of Mongolia, with us today.
— Marius Vizer (@MariusVizer) June 24, 2023
We extend our thanks to the Mongolian government for their support in promoting and developing Judo across the country. Their commitment to fostering the… pic.twitter.com/UDnXJY5iYn
Under the auspices of the President of Mongolia, 255 athletes from 30 countries competed in this high-ranking event, which was held for the first time in 2022. I’m satisfied with the growing number of athletes every year. This time 344 athletes from 44 countries are participating in the event.
The organisation of the grand slam in Ulaanbaatar is significant in many ways, such as improving skills by competing with the world’s best athletes, promoting Mongolia internationally and increasing the interest of children and the youth to practise judo.
Mongolia has been supporting and will continue to actively support all kinds of sports events, competitions and games while expanding its friendly relations with countries around the world.
Since old times Mongolian people have respected the mighty wrestlers and Mongolian wrestling has a fond tradition to be one of the main games of the Naadam Festival. Therefore, Mongolia’s first and highest achievements in the world sports arena are related to wrestling. Even our competitors rightfully recognise Mongolia as a country of wrestling. Among the different styles of wrestling in the world, Mongolian people like to watch and practise judo as a model of respect and ethics, a wonder of speed and strength.
Through physical education and sports, a culture has been established in which people develop and strengthen friendship, friendly relations and mutual understanding. I believe physical education and sports are the key to friendship. We all want to be free from war and disease, able to visit each other and prosper together. I am confident that through sport’s promotion, unity, peace and Olympism will further expand and develop.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the International Judo Federation for its decision to organise the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam for the second time in our country and for the confidence that you have placed in us.
I welcome you all to Mongolia, the birthplace of the Great Chinggis Khan and the land of the eternal blue sky."
Dr. Lisa Allan declared, "Dear chief of staff, Mr Yangug Sodbaatar, H.E. President Battulga Khaltmaa, President of the Mongolian Judo Association, distinguished guests, spectators, media, sponsors, delegations and dear judo family, this second grand slam is a collaborative partnership between the International Judo Federation and the Mongolian Judo Association and we say a big thank you to everyone involved in the event, especially to the volunteers and all staff, who have donated their time to help. Thank you also to the spectators, whose knowledge of judo contributes to a fantastic atmosphere in the Steppe Arena.
The Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam 2023 marks a turning point in the Olympic qualification for Paris 2024, as from now on all points will count for 100%. In one year, we will meet in the French capital for the most anticipated event and it all begins here in Mongolia.
We appreciate the special hospitality of the Mongolian people, in particular the people of the city of Ulaanbaatar. We are extremely grateful to the government of Mongolia, the city of Ulaanbaatar, the Mongolian Judo Association, the local sponsors and the media for their incredible support.
Good luck to all the participants!
On behalf of the International Judo Federation, I declare the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam 2023 open!"