Last year’s Dushanbe Grand Prix took the judo world by storm. No-one expected the reception judo received, not just in the arena but citywide. Glittering billboards, crowds at outdoor screenings, posters, banners and flags adorned the Tajik capital and it truly reflected the energy felt inside the Kasri Tennis Arena.
A packed arena from the first 'Hajime!'
Tajikistan’s people embraced judo, cheering loudly for every ippon, whether from Tajik judoka or not. This incredible spirit is what we have been looking forward to enjoying again and now we are back.
From early in the morning on day one, judo fans queued outside the arena, streaming in as soon as the doors were opened. They were ready to welcome to athletes on to the tatami from the very first ‘Hajime!’ We have wondered, for a year, if the atmosphere we remembered was really that good and we are not disappointed. Full tribunes, drummers, cheerleaders, this event has it all.
