“Uzbekistan is an innovative country with a young and dynamic population. The Judo Economic Forum has been a success, just as will the World Championships will be. I want world leaders to look at this event at this controversial time in the world because the spirit of our sport, the friendship and unity that judo conveys are necessary for peace in the world.” These were the words of the President of the International Judo Federation, the words of Marius L. Vizer, aware of the importance of organising a tournament of these characteristics at this time because people need to believe, they need peace, tranquility and prosperity.
Judo is physical and mental health, entertainment, records, medals and rewards. The World Championships means a million dollars to distribute, five hundred and eighty-one athletes from eighty-one countries and a nation that welcomes everyone with the desire for everyone to enjoy. “It is the first time that Uzbekistan organises a world championships after hosting grand prix and grand slams many times. It is an honour and we are very grateful to the IJF for trusting us,” said Adham Ikramov, Minister for Sports Development of Uzbekistan.
The President of the Uzbek Judo Federation, Azizjon Kamilov is a man who likes a challenge. His will, as soon as he took office, was to raise the level of demand of Uzbek judoka while adopting a new direction so that his country would be one of the epicentres of world judo. This event is also a reward for his perseverance. "I want everyone to enjoy this immense privilege and also the beautiful city of Tashkent," he declared.
As you can see, they were not protocol presentations but messages loaded with meaning because they convey the will to continue a path despite the obstacles that life reserves.
We were saying, therefore, that almost six hundred athletes are already in Tashkent dreaming of medals and the clink they produce and that sounds like heavenly music. There are a lot of defending champions, a lot of former champions who are still hungry and a lot of underdogs. Forecasting is fun but very risky. The giveaway is over, now everyone knows what awaits them.
Yes, Japan, France, Georgia, Mongolia, Korea, Azerbaijan, Israel, Netherlands, Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany, and many more, aspire to a medal, some more than others. For its part, the host country wants to show that its excellent progression is a constant and that it has a team to spare to rub shoulders with the greats.
As we are talking about the World Championships, there will be two categories per day, one female and one male, with the final block starting at 5:00p.m. local time. On the eighth day the mixed team competition will take place, which has seventeen countries.
It is the moment that is felt, that is no longer in our heads but around us. It is the moment to take a step forward to enter the books, so that the name is remembered, to feed the illusions of the fans and the little ones. It is the moment to open our eyes and let go of dreaming. The time has come, the time of truth. Welcome to Tashkent, welcome to the World Championships.