The Pais Arena, Jerusalem, has been graced with a loud, proud, knowledgeable crowd, one which never eases up in its support of the athletes, loving every big throw. They have brought the right atmosphere and it’s contributing to the emotions and overall spectacle. We expected nothing else while in Israel and we got what we came for!
The best in the world in every category are here, with only one or two exceptions. National teams have prepared and done so very well. It is clear there has been tactical analysis, physical preparation and technical fine-tuning. It is understood that every judoka takes the points on offer very seriously and the judo reflects that.
When we bring the best of the best to one place and we continually upskill the referees, with the commission and supervisors leading constant educational moments, we get what we deserve! The judo is quite frankly phenomenal. The refereeing is blending into the background, almost invisible because it is so on-point. The coaches and these world class athletes have done an outstanding job and we must acknowledge it. When the rules are applied correctly, coached correctly and assessed correctly, what we get is something very special, a level not visible at the majority of events because elsewhere this excellence is diluted by those still developing their game and their capabilities. In Israel we can see everything come together.
The celebration of judo, it’s friends and it’s values was cemented further during the opening ceremony, in which the speeches of Mr Moshe Leon, Mayor of city of Jerusalem, Mr Moshe Ponte, President of the Israeli Judo Association and Mr Marius Vizer, President of the IJF, confirmed all the positives visible at the Pais Arena.
Mr Leon said, "From Israel and to the whole world, welcome to Jerusalem! On the way to the Olympics Games in Paris 2024, the most ancient sporting event in the world, it is logical that judo passes through one of the oldest cities. Here we invest a lot in the youth and we believe that sport is a bridge between cultures. We also believe that everyone can play equally respected role. Once again, welcome to everyone, especially to all our neighbours. We prove with this event that we can come together in peace. I wish you a very successful tournament."
Mr Moshe Ponte said, "Dear Mr Vizer, dear Mr Leon, dear judo family, Marius you are an amazing and inspiring person. Thank you to the whole judo family for making this event a success and welcome to Israel and to Jerusalem."
Mr Marius Vizer completed the speeches, "Israel, Shalom! Distinguished Mayor, dear President Ponte, dear judo fans, this is a great occasion on which to celebrate our last event of the year, in Jerusalem. I want to thank the Mayor and the city of Jerusalem. I also want to wish the Israeli people a great celebration of Hanukkah. Thank you to all the people who contributed to the success of this Masters. Happy holidays and a happy end to the year. I declare the World Judo Masters open."
As day 1 comes to a close there is almost shock left behind, as the presiding feeling. We have been treated to an intense and quite frankly unbelievable day of judo. What on Earth is tomorrow going to bring to sustain that level? Days two and three have much to live up to but we have a feeling they will.