An said: “For me it’s always special to be at a World Judo Championships with the way the IJF organises these events now.
“It’s a different feeling for me, to be here in the stands and not fighting or coaching, but I’m happy to be here.
An, who has had coaching spells with his native South Korean team and the Spanish team, is looking for new opportunities.
The popular figure in the judo family praised the production level at the Worlds and the quality of the judo.
“The competition looks fantastic, it’s great for the public. I’m excited about every day as there are many great champions and storylines to look out for.”
Olympic champion Tachimoto Haruka (JPN), who retired after winning gold at Rio 2016, was in attendance again today.
Tachimoto said: “I have been away from the circuit since I retired so it’s good to reconnect with the judo family and I feel like I am getting my judo feeling back today.
“The competition looks good, I’m enjoying being here and I’m preparing to commentate on the competition from 28 August with my sister Tachimoto Megumi.
“I thank all the fans who’ve asked about me and I keep them in my thoughts. I hope my commentary role will go well.
“I haven’t decided on what I want to do in the future. I’m looking to focus on academic studies in the near future but I haven’t ruled out anything in the future.”
Elmar Babanli, Azerbaijan Judo Federation General Secretary, who was a key part of the organising committee for the last edition of the Worlds, said: “We’re very impressed by what we’ve already seen here in Tokyo.
“This venue has judo in its soul. This is the home of judo. The venue of course is old but it’s special for all judoka and it’s great to be here for the IJF World Championships with a year to go until the Olympics.
“We have high hopes of medals this week and we’re confident our athletes can perform well individually and on the final day in the mixed team competition.”
IJF TV and Media Rights Manager Grace Goulding is working at her first World Judo Championships and shared her early observations from her matside position.
“Having recently stepped into the world of judo, I have come to my first World Championships with an outside perspective. However, anyone can see that this competition is on the highest level. The judokas are more intense, the crowds more passionate, and the stakes are higher.
“What has surprised me the most about this world of judo is the emotion and spirit of everyone involved, from the judoka, to the staff, to the volunteers. With the championships located here in the home of judo, it is evident that this spirit and excitement is even stronger. I am excited to watch as the world competes in the iconic Nippon Budokan this week!”