Baku hosts opening ceremony of World Judo Championships: 622 athletes from 93 countries

On 5 October the World Judo Championships were officially opened at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, with President Ilham Aliyev in attendance. Beforehand, he met Ahmad Yusifov, who had become world champion at 60kg the day before, and congratulated him: "You have made our whole nation happy."

The ceremony began with a film about the development of sport in Azerbaijan. Speeches were given by Rashad Nabiyev, president of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, and Marius Vizer, president of the International Judo Federation, who thanked the Azerbaijani government for its support. The evening closed with a concert by Italian singer Al Bano.

The championships began on 4 October and run until 11 October. The most prestigious event on the international judo calendar brings together 622 judoka (335 men and 287 women) from 93 countries.