Baku hosts opening of Grand Slam judo tournament

Baku has hosted the opening ceremony of the Grand Slam judo tournament.

TFirst, the parade of flags of 62 countries participating in the tournament took place, AZERTAC reports.

Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister for Youth and Sport Mariana Vasileva highlighted the importance of holding the competition in Azerbaijan. She noted that due to the growing attention to sport, holding of international tournaments in Azerbaijan in the coming years is also considered.

President of Azerbaijan Judo Federation Rashad Nabiyev hailed the achievements made this year by judo fighters of different age groups in the international arena. He said the number of judo practitioners in the country has doubled in comparison with last year.

President of the International Judo Federation (IJF) Marius Wieser congratulated Ilham Aliyev, who always supports the development of sport, particularly judo, on his re-election as President of Azerbaijan.

Following the speeches, the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the anthem of the International Judo Federation were performed.

Then the Grand Slam tournament continued with bouts.

Azerbaijan is represented by 32 judokas at the tournament, which will run until February 18.