Baku hosts World Judo Championships opening ceremony
Baku, October 5, AZERTAC
On October 5, the opening ceremony of the World Judo Championships was held at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku.
The event featured a video highlighting the development of judo across the world.
In his remarks, Rashad Nabiyev, President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, said it was a great honor to welcome the judo community in Azerbaijan once again. According to him, thanks to the continuous support of Azerbaijani President and President of the country’s National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev to the development of sports sector, the country has today become a sports hub hosting prestigious international sporting events.
He described international cooperation as one of the key factors behind this success story, expressing his gratitude to the International Judo Federation (IJF) and its President Marius Vizer for convening in Baku.
In turn, IJF President Marius Vizer expressed his gratitude to Azerbaijan for its steadfast support to the development of sports, including judo, declaring the tournament open.
The event proceeded with an artistic program.
Running until October 11, the tournament gathers 622 judokas from 93 countries, including 335 male and 287 female athletes.
Azerbaijan’s hopes are pinned on 24 judokas, including 17 men and 7 women competing across 13 weight categories.
Azerbaijani judoka Ahmad Yusifov has claimed a gold medal at the championships.
Yusifov secured the title by defeating Kazakhstan’s Sherzod Davlatov in the men’s 60kg final.
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