When the lights went down and the voices of young judoka rang out in the arena, everyone present knew that the show was going to live up to the event. After a film showcasing the next generation of judoka and champions, a second animated film presenting the history of judo in the world and in Russia played to delight the audience.
Then it was the turn of the guests to deliver their official speeches of welcome to Kazan, Capital of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation.
Mr. Igor Levitin, Aide to the President of the Russian Federation, delivered an important message from Mr. Vladimir Putin, “To the participants, organisers and guests of this World Judo Tour event, dear friends, I congratulate you on the opening of the Kazan Grand Slam 2021. Russia is honoured to stage such a prestigious and high profile competition and we are entitled to host the tournament for a good reason. In our country there has always been a high interest in this spectacular, dynamic sport, in its unique history and philosophy.
It is my strong belief that this tournament will become a large-scale, landmark event, attracting genuine attention from experts and numerous judo fans. Moreover, in the international sports calendar a grand slam is considered to be one of the most important events in the run-up to the Olympics in Tokyo, as the athletes will have to compete not only for medals, but also for the points to qualify for the Olympic Games. I wish all success and victory to the judoka of the World Judo Tour and to the judo fans I hope for thrilling and unforgettable contests."
Mr. Oleg Matytsin, Minister of Sport for the Russian Federation, said, "I would like to congratulate everyone on the opening of the Kazan Grand Slam and wish all the best to all the competitors. Thanks to the International Judo Federation, the Tatarstan Republic, the city of Kazan and all the organisers for organising the competition in such a difficult time. I also want to thank the Russian Judo Federation for great co-operation and friendship. Russia is an open country, where we cultivate solidarity and mutual respect."
Mr. Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, declared, "It's a great pleasure to welcome you in our hospitable, united city of Kazan and it's a great honour. Judo is very popular here and its popularity is increasing day by day. We would be very happy to welcome the World Championships here in the future."
Then it was the turn of IJF President, Mr. Marius Vizer to take the floor, "It's a great honour for our organisation to have our Grand Slam take place here in Kazan. Thanks to the Russian Government, the Republic of Tatarstan, the City of Kazan, the European Judo Union, the Russian Judo Federation and the Tatarstan Judo Federation for the partnership. Russia is a country of sport, culture and friendship. Sports create bridges and unite the world to promote peace, friendship and progress. I wish success to all the participants and I declare the Kazan Grand Slam 2021 open."
Were also present during the opening, Mr. Ilsur Metshin, Mayor of Kazan, Mr. Sergey Soloveychik, IJF Vice-President and President of the European Judo Union, and Mr. Vasily Anisimov, President of the Russian Judo Federation.
The anthem of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tatarstan and of the IJF were then played and sung live.
Before the opening ceremony, President Marius Vizer presented the IJF’s Jigoro Kano Statue, design by Herend Porcelain, to Mr. Igor Levitin, Mr. Oleg Matytsin and Mr. Rustam Minnikhanov, before receiving a special present from the President of the Republic of Tatarstan.
The lights went on again and it was time for the athletes to express themselves and to show some beautiful judo.