A film entitled ‘A Victory the Country Is Proud Of’ opened the programme, highlighting the development of sport and judo in Azerbaijan. As it concluded, the officials took to the stage for the formal part of the ceremony.
Azerbaijan Judo Federation President Mr Rashad Nabiyev was the first to address the arena. “Honourable Mr President, dear International Judo Federation President Mr Marius Vizer, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honour for us to welcome the world judo family to Baku once again. Judo is not only a contest on the tatami, it is a philosophy of respect, discipline, courage and friendship.
Years ago, our country embarked on a great journey with the ambition of making these values part of the lifestyle of our young people and raising a healthy and spiritually strong generation. Today, it is a source of immense pride to see that this ambition has become a reality. The highest level of attention and care being devoted to sport, and particularly to the development of judo in our country, has been the foundation of all these achievements.
Thanks to the unwavering support of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and National Olympic Committee President Mr Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has become a remarkable sporting centre, hosting major international competitions and recognised for its hospitality and organisational expertise. This success story also has international co-operation at its heart.
We express our deepest gratitude to the International Judo Federation and personally to Mr Marius Vizer for entrusting Baku with the World Championships for the second time.
Our close partnership over many years, our mutual trust and our joint projects have made an unparalleled contribution to the development of judo, not only as a professional sport but also as a way of life for people around the world.
Our main goal is that every child who steps into a judo hall becomes not only a future champion but, first and foremost, a worthy citizen of our society. This philosophy forms the foundation of our state’s youth and sports policy.
Dear athletes and coaches, in the coming days, you will compete not only for the title of world champion but also to demonstrate the excellence and nobility of judo. I wish each and every one of you fair competition, great sporting spirit and unforgettable moments in Baku. Welcome to Azerbaijan!”
He was followed by International Judo Federation President Marius Vizer, who declared, “Your Excellency Ilham Aliyev, president of the Republic of Azerbaijan, dear president of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, Mr Rashad Nabiyev, distinguished official guests, partners and members of the Olympic, international sports and judo families, welcome to Azerbaijan. This is a country of energy, new technology and transformation, a country in continuous reform, a country of sport, culture and tradition.
I want to thank the government of Azerbaijan for its continuous support for our sport, for our sporting events and for these world championships. I congratulate the judo federation and its leadership on their great achievements in recent years. Congratulations also to all sports in Azerbaijan and to the Olympic Committee for their successes and for the organisation of so many great events in Azerbaijan.
Let judo be an inspiration in today’s troubled world, for unity, friendship and peace.
Thank you, Azerbaijan. Thank you to our guests, the spectators, the judo family and the entire sporting family. I declare the World Championships in Baku open.”
The ceremony then moved into its artistic programme with an impressive and colourful celebration of Azerbaijan’s centuries-old culture. A succession of performances combined dynamic lighting, projections and traditional dance, offering the public a vivid expression of the country’s richness of identity.
The national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was then performed by a children’s choir, bringing a moving and distinctly national dimension to the evening. The International Judo Federation anthem followed, performed by Al Bano. The Italian star remained on stage to perform Nessun Dorma, Libertà and Felicità, closing the ceremony with a festive atmosphere before attention returned to the tatami and the final contests of the day.
The opening ceremony set the tone for the days ahead: a celebration of Azerbaijan, of world judo and of the shared spirit that brings athletes, officials and spectators together at the highest level of the sport.