Opening ceremony of World Judo Championships held in Baku

A solemn opening ceremony of the 2018 World Judo Championships was held at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku. 

The ceremony was attended by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the republic's First Vice President and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, as well as family members, the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza reported.

Prior to the opening ceremony, a promotional video was screened, highlighting Azerbaijan’s historical monuments, development of sports, including judo in Azerbaijan, as well as the Azerbaijan-hosted international sporting events.

President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation Rovnag Abdullayev and President of the International Judo Federation Marius Vizer addressed the event.

Then Ilham Aliyev declared the 2018 World Judo Championships open. The anthems of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the International Judo Federation were played.

In addition, World-famous Italian singer Al Bano performed with a concert program.

The winners in the 52 kg competitions among women and 66 kg competitions among men will be defined on the second day of the championship. Azerbaijan national team will be represented by Buyankhishig Purevsuren and Nijat Shikhalizada respectively.