To celebrate the occasion, the audience was welcomed with a vibrant performance by a folkloric band. Their traditional Bulgarian dances, rich in colour and rhythm, reflected the cultural heritage of the host nation and offered a fitting introduction to this global gathering. The ceremony then turned to the formal welcome of dignitaries and officials, each of whom took to the stage to share words of encouragement and pride.
“Sofia becomes an arena for young talents”
Mr Pavlin Petrov, Deputy Minister of Tourism, was the first to address the crowd. “It is my honour to welcome you on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism on the occasion of the opening of the World Cadet Championships, an event that today turns Sofia into an arena for young talent in this sport. These championships are proof of Bulgaria's growing authority as a host of major international sports forums. It puts our country on the map of world sports destinations and enables our capital to welcome hundreds of young athletes, their teams and guests from dozens of countries.
Judo is a sport that fosters discipline, respect and sustainability, values that are also common to tourism. Events like this not only develop sport among young people but also contribute to Bulgaria's image as a country of hospitality, culture and modern sports traditions.
The Ministry of Tourism supports precisely such initiatives, which combine sports and tourism, create new opportunities for travel and enrich the experiences of visitors. The World Cadet Championships Sofia 2025 will leave a mark not only in sport history but also on the tourist map of Bulgaria, as an example of how sport can be a driver for regional and national development.
Dear competitors, I wish you inspiration, strength and success! May each of you show your best and keep unforgettable memories of Bulgaria.”
“An honour for Bulgaria”
Assoc. Prof. Stoyan Andonov, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, highlighted the significance of hosting this event for the first time in Bulgaria, “It is an honour and pleasure for me to attend the Cadet World Judo Championships, an event that is being held in Bulgaria for the first time in its history! This is recognition for our country and proof of its growing authority in the world of martial arts. I would like to congratulate the chair of our judo federation Mr Rumen Stoilov and his entire team for their excellent work on the event organisation. I am convinced that it is at a world-class level and all participants and coaches will be satisfied with the conditions provided.
I believe that our capital will be a wonderful host of this great forum. I wish you courage, sportsmanship and honourable fights on the tatami. Enjoy every contest! It is a step towards future successes and valuable experience. I believe that the Bulgarian audience will witness spectacular fights and that the championships will be held at a very high level. I wish success to all athletes!”
“A great honour for the Bulgarian Judo Federation”
Assoc. Prof. Roumen Stoilov, President of the Bulgarian Judo Federation, then spoke on behalf of the host nation, “For the Bulgarian Judo Federation and for me personally, it is a great honour that Bulgaria is the host of the OTP Group Cadet World Championships Sofia 2025. I thank the International Judo Federation, represented by Mr Vizer and the members of the IJF Executive Committee, for the trust they have placed in us.
I also express my gratitude to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Tourism and the Bulgarian Sports Lottery for their indispensable assistance in organising the event. I would like to congratulate and thank my colleagues from the Bulgarian Judo Federation, the competition’s organising committee, as well as the volunteers for their dedicated work in preparing and conducting the championships.
I congratulate all the athletes for their excellent performances, for the spirit, dignity and strength you are showing. You are the future of our sport and I truly believe that you will continue to demonstrate honour and give your best, and that our sport will continue to unite us on the road to peace, mutual respect and friendship. I wish health and success to all!”
“Our message is peace, unity, friendship and solidarity”
The highlight of the opening came with the words of Mr Marius Vizer, President of the International Judo Federation, who addressed the audience before officially opening the championships, “Distinguished Deputy Minister of Sports, Distinguished Deputy Minister of Tourism, President of the Bulgarian Judo Federation, dear judo family members, dear spectators, media representatives and sponsors, at this difficult time in the world, it's so nice to sit together, the young generation of the judo family, bringing the flag to the next generation, having former athletes around us , the old generation, now in positions as coaches, referees and staff. It is a great pleasure to see you all together. I congratulate all national federations and all athletes participating in these world championships. I wish you a lot of success and for all of you to enjoy Sofia.
Our message is again and always a message for peace. Peace, unity, friendship and solidarity can maintain our planet’s stability and can maintain and support the prosperity and development of human beings.
Thank you to the government of Bulgaria for supporting this event. I declare the world championships in Sofia open.”
The ceremony concluded with a performance of the Bulgarian national anthem, followed by the IJF anthem. With colour, culture and powerful words, the OTP Group World Cadet Championships Sofia 2025 are now officially underway, promising a week of thrilling competition, camaraderie and celebration of the next generation of judoka.