Ahead of the first of three final block sessions in Linz, across the three competition days, an opening ceremony took place beside the podium of the Tips Arena. Welcome speeches were delivered by Austrian Judo Federation President Dr Martin Poiger, Governor of Upper Austria Mr Thomas Stelzer and IJF Head Sport Director Mr Vladimir Barta.
Dr Martin Poiger gave the first welcome address, “Dear Viadimir Barta, Head Sport Director of the International Judo Federation, dear Thomas Stelzer, Governor of the Region of Upper Austria, dear Horst Nassbaumer, President of the Olympic Committee of Austria, dear distinguished guests, dear athletes, coaches, referees, and friends of judo, it is a great honour and a sincere pleasure to welcome you to Linz for the fourth edition of the Upper Austria Judo Grand Prix.
We often take events of this scale and this level of excellence for granted; the professional arenas, the global broadcast, sporting standards at the very highest level. We assume this is simply how judo is but this reality did not happen by accident. Over the past two decades, it has been the leadership of Mr Marius Vizer that has shaped modern judo into the sport we experience today. Through strategic vision, professional governance and unwavering commitment, he and his team have strengthened judo's position at the very heart of the Olympic Movement and secured its place among the world's leading sports. For this, we express our deep respect and sincere gratitude."
"I welcome the delegations from 59 countries who have travelled to Austria to compete here in Linz. Your presence reflects the true spirit of judo; a sport that transcends borders, cultures and languages. This diversity is our strength. It makes judo not merely a competition but a global family and a pillar of unity and peace. At a time of considerable geopolitical tension in many parts of the world, that unity carries particular meaning. Here in Linz, nations meet in mutual respect, guided by shared rules and shared values. This is the quiet but powerful contribution that sport can make to our world.
My sincere thanks go to the region of Upper Austria. Without the support of this region there would be no grand prix. Thanks a lot Thomas Stelzer, Markus Achleitner and the whole team! Thanks also to the Austrian Ministry of Sports, to the City of Linz and to all our valued partners. Your support makes on event of this magnitude possible. Your commitment to sport is a commitment to youth, to values and to international dialogue.
I would also like to express my gratitude to the whole team of Judo Austria, led by Secretary General Corina Korner and Technical Director Thomas Stückler; to the team of Upper Austria Judo, led by Manfred Reisinger; and to our technical partner for venue installation and broadcasting, Studio Arena, led by Igor Vujnovic. Delivering a grand prix at this level demands expertise, resilience and absolute teamwork. You have delivered exactly that!
And, to our 180 volunteers, you are the heart of this event. Your dedication, professionalism and warmth make this grand prix one of the most welcoming stops on the World Judo Tour.
Finally my thanks go to the team of the International Judo Federation for their continued support and excellent co-operation. The partnership between the IJF and the Austrian Judo Federation is built on trust, professionalism and a shared vision for the future."
"Over the coming days, we will witness world-class performances, tactical precision and moments of great emotion, but beyond medals and rankings, this grand prix stands for something greater: respect between nations, fair play and the enduring educational values of judo. Let us celebrate not only champions but the spirit that unites us all on the tatami.
I wish every athlete success, strength and fairness in competition. Welcome to Upper Austria, welcome to Linz. Thank you.”
Mr Thomas Stelzer responded emphatically, “Dear ladies and gentlemen, representatives of the IJF, the Austrian Judo Federation and our Olympic committee, dear teams and athletes from all over the world, welcome to Upper Austria and to our capital, Linz.
We are very proud that this event takes place for the 4th time. Thank you to the hundreds of athletes who participate. Sport is your main topic and you give your very best always, but you being here is also an important sign that living together and being together across borders is possible,. This is an important message and you are the ambassadors of this message."
"Thank you to all the helping hands behind the scenes. Having so many volunteers, with such passion and competence, makes this grand prix what it is. Austria is full of economic and cultural power, a land of arts and sports and we will be delighted to welcome you back for another stay in the future. We wish all the teams all the best and great success.”
The final speech was delivered by Mr Vladimir Barta, “Distinguished guests, dear judo family, welcome to Linz. After successful tournaments in Paris and Tashkent, we are here with almost 60 countries in Linz.
On behalf of IJF President Mr Marius Vizer, I thank Austrian Judo Federation President Dr Martin Poiger for his team’s professionalism and hospitality. I wish you all enjoyable days here and declare the Upper Austria Grand Prix open.”
The Austrian national anthem then rang out in the arena, followed by the IJF anthem. Soon after, the music began to introduce the final block. The spectators were ready, the teams were ready and the online judo fans were ready.
And so followed a final block that saw Spain walk away with no less than 6 medals, but with none of them being gold, it was not Spain at the top of the medal table at the end of this first day. That honour belonged to Japan: 3 gold, a silver and one bronze medal.
On day two in Linz, the 4 middleweight categories will take to the tatami: -63 kg and -70 kg women, -73 kg and -81 kg men. There is much to look forward to, so join us live in the Tips Arena or on JudoTV.