Stéphane Nomis, President of France Judo and member of the IJF Executive Committee, took to the stage to welcome the crowd, his voice resonating with honour as he addressed the athletes and spectators, “Hello to everyone, dear friends, dear judoka. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Marius Vizer, the IJF president, for entrusting us with the world championships. Let’s give him a round of applause!” His words were met with cheers, a recognition of the trust and responsibility that came with hosting such an important event.
The Paris World Judo Championships Veterans are not just another tournament; they are a celebration of a new era in judo. With 77 nations and a staggering 2,554 judoka participating, this is the largest gathering of veterans in judo history and it represents a monumental milestone. Nomis continued, “The presence of so many judoka here today is magnificent. Let’s give them all a standing ovation!”
The French judo president didn’t hold back in praising the vibrant development of veteran judo. “Veteran judo has changed significantly over the years. It is now a vital force in the global judo movement, breathing new life into the sport. These athletes continue to train, to teach, to pass on the values of judo, and that is incredibly important for the future of the sport.”
He added with confidence, “The French judo community is thriving. With 590,000 licenced judoka and over 5,000 clubs, the sport is in great shape in the country. This success is thanks to each and every one of you.”
Nomis also took a moment to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Denis Weisser, Head of the IJF Veterans Commission, for his unwavering dedication to the development of veteran judo. “I want to thank Denis, who fights year after year for the veterans. Your efforts have made all this possible.”
A round of applause followed and Mr Nomis concluded with a heartfelt thank you to all those who made the event a reality: the organisers, referees, table officials and volunteers. All worked tirelessly behind the scenes. “It is never easy to organise such an event but you have made this a reality. And to our audience, you are the best! Thank you and good luck to all the fighters. Long live judo!”
Following Mr Nomis’s speech, Denis Weisser stepped up, his words embodying the spirit of camaraderie and dedication that defines judo. “Dear judoka, dear President Vizer, dear Stéphane, welcome to Paris,” Mr Weisser greeted the crowd in French, his warmth setting the tone for the coming days of competition.
“We are incredibly grateful to be here, at such a prestigious venue, for what is truly a judo festival,” he continued. “Judo is not just a sport, it is a lifelong experience, one that is rooted in tradition, respect and a commitment to excellence. I want to thank everyone who contributed to making this event such a great success.”
As the day unfolded, the sense of unity and purpose in the room was palpable. The athletes, seasoned competitors, as well as newcomers, embody the essence of judo, proving that passion for the sport only grows stronger with time. This championship is not only a competition; it is a celebration of the enduring power of judo to connect people across generations, cultures and borders.
As the action began, it was clear that the Paris World Judo Championships Veterans 2025 would go down in history as a symbol of growth, togetherness and the global spirit of judo.
Paris 2025 is more than just an event, it is a celebration of the resilience, perseverance and shared journey that defines judo across generations. The excitement is only just beginning and as the championships continue, the world watches as veteran judoka showcase their talent, embodying the true spirit of the sport.