As athletes, officials and spectators gathered inside the arena, a spectacular light show set the tone before the International Judo Federation flag entered the venue, symbolising the unity of the global judo family.
The ceremony continued with a judo demonstration performed by young athletes from the Qingdao Judo Association and the Qingdao Sino Japanese Friendship Judo Dojo, whose performance combined technical excellence with the educational values that have made judo one of the world's most respected sports.
A number of distinguished guests were welcomed onto the stage for the official ceremony, reflecting the close co-operation between the International Judo Federation, the Chinese Judo Association and local authorities.
The International Judo Federation was represented by IJF General Treasurer Mr Naser Al Tamimi. Also present were Mr Yue Yan, Vice President and Secretary General of the Chinese Judo Association; Mr Bian Zhiliang, Honorary Vice President of the International Judo Federation and founder and chairman of the board of Taishan Sports Industry Group; Mr Lin Chun, Deputy Director General of the Shandong Administration of Sports; Mr Zhao Shengcun, Vice Mayor of Qingdao; Mr Cai Quanji, Director General of the Qingdao Municipal Sports Bureau; Mr Wang Liyuan, Deputy Mayor of Laoshan District; and Mr Yang Shanxing, Deputy General Manager of Qingdao Conson Development (Group) Co., Ltd.
Welcoming the international judo family to Qingdao, Mr Lin Chun underlined Shandong's long standing commitment to sport and thanked the International Judo Federation for its continued support of judo's development in the province. He described Qingdao as both a leading economic centre and a renowned judo city, highlighting the region's sporting heritage and stressing that hosting the Qingdao Grand Prix provides athletes from around the world with an outstanding opportunity to compete, exchange experience and continue their Olympic journey in a fair and high quality environment. He concluded by wishing every athlete success and inviting all visitors to discover the beauty and hospitality of Qingdao and Shandong.
Speaking on behalf of the Chinese Judo Association, Mr Yue Yan reminded the audience that "Judo begins and ends with respect," describing the sport as a bridge that transcends borders, develops character and builds lasting friendships. With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle now underway, he noted that 500 elite athletes had travelled to Qingdao, illustrating both the strength of the World Judo Tour and the growing appeal of international judo. He reaffirmed the Chinese Judo Association's commitment to working hand in hand with the IJF and national federations to deepen exchanges, promote shared development and continue raising the level of judo worldwide. He also welcomed participants to experience Qingdao, a modern maritime city enjoying an openness and youthful energy that reflect the spirit of the event.
Representing IJF President Mr Marius Vizer, IJF General Treasurer Mr Naser Al Tamimi praised the Chinese Judo Association and the local organising committee for staging the Qingdao Grand Prix successfully, year after year. He also thanked the event's sponsors, partners and media for their continued support before wishing all athletes the very best for the competition. Mr Al Tamimi then declared the 2026 Qingdao Grand Prix open.
The ceremony concluded with the national anthem of the People's Republic of China, followed by the IJF anthem, before the flags of all participating nations and regions departed the arena, signalling that everything was in place for the sporting action to begin.
With the formalities complete, attention turned to the tatami, where athletes from all the participating countries and regions continued their pursuit of medals, valuable world ranking points and an important first step on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.