The ceremony began with a spectacular demonstration of nage-no-kata, performed by two young Georgian judoka, reflecting the country’s commitment to embracing all dimensions of judo, from tradition to elite performance.
Mr Levan Nozadze, President of the Georgian Judo Federation, then addressed the audience: “Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Georgian Judo Federation, I would like to express our deepest condolences following the recent loss of His Holiness Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.
I would like to warmly welcome the IJF President, Mr Marius Vizer, and thank the International Judo Federation for giving us the opportunity to host this event once again. I would also like to extend my gratitude to our government, the Ministry of Sport and our sponsors for their continued support. My sincere thanks go to our federation and all those involved in organising this event.
Finally, I would like to welcome all our guests and wish that you leave Georgia with wonderful memories.”
IJF President Mr Marius Vizer then took the floor: “Distinguished members of the Georgian Judo Federation, dear Levan, dear David, dear spectators, members of the IJF family and our official partners. We would like to express our deepest and most sincere condolences for the loss of His Holiness Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.
I would like to thank the Georgian government, the federation and the Ministry of Sport for their continuous support and for the development of judo in Georgia and worldwide.
We will soon sign an agreement to extend our cooperation for the Grand Slam events over the next four years, and we look forward to signing the 2029 World Championships in Tbilisi as well.
I wish you a successful grand slam, good health, friendship and unity, so that together we can continue to build a better world.
I hereby declare the Tbilisi Grand Slam open.”
The national anthem of Georgia and the IJF anthem were then played, just moments before the start of the final block.