The final preparations are all under way at the Conson Stadium; the technology is almost up and running, the mats are laid and accreditation is closed. The last thing for athletes and coaches to know is the draw and so that brings us neatly to the draw ceremony, held on the afternoon of 25th September at the Conson Hotel.
Present for the International Judo Federation were IJF Education and Coaching Director Mr Mohamed Meridja, IJF Sport Director Mr Vladimir Barta and IJF Referee Director Mr Raul Camacho. For the Chinese Judo Association the guests were Deputy Director of the Qingdao Sports Bureau Ms Xin Zhang, Party Committee Secretary and President of the Qingdao Sports Development Group Mr Ming Ye, and Chinese Judo Association Deputy Secretary General Mr Miao Gao.
Mr Mohamed Meridja opened proceedings with a warm welcome to all, “Dear Deputy Director of the Qingdao Sports Bureau, dear judo family, ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to China, to the city of Qingdao, as we open the doors to the World Judo Tour. On behalf of IJF President Mr Marius Vizer, I would like to extend my warmest welcome to all officials, coaches and athletes attending the Qingdao Grand Prix 2025.
I take this opportunity to thank the Chinese Judo Association for all their effort and their contribution to the success of this event. Also I thank all sponsors and media partners for their constant collaboration. We wish the Chinese Judo Association good luck and assure them of our full support. I wish all our guests and the judo family a good time in Qingdao. Good luck!”
Ms Xin Zhang then took the floor, “Dear honourable IJF guests, athletes, coaches and technical officials, good afternoon. On behalf of the Qingdao Grand Prix organising committee, I would like to extend our warm welcome to all of you.
First, I would like to thank the IJF for hosting this grand prix in Qingdao, bringing the Qingdao Judo Grand Prix back to the world judo stage. I would also like to thank the Chinese Judo Association for the support and trust given, enabling us to host this important international event successfully.
As the hosts of the event, we have followed all IJF requirements. After months of intensive preparation, we have completed all necessary preparations for the competition and the participating teams have arrived. We are confident that this competition will be a fantastic event; a grand feast of judo will be presented in beautiful Qingdao.
I once again welcome and thank you all for your visit. I wish this competition to create wonderful memories for you all. Thank you!”
Following the welcome speeches, there was a moment to pass on all important information about the competition, noting the weigh-in times, information about ‘Clean Judo’ and sustainability and also the announcement of the daily starting times:
Day 1: 12:30
Day 2: 12:30
Day 3: 13:00
It was also announced that the opening ceremony would take place at 4:20pm on day two in the arena.
Mr Camacho then spoke on behalf of the IJF Referee Commission, “Thank you all for being part of the Qingdao Grand Prix here in China. Fifteen of the world’s best referees, three supervisors and two referee directors are present here to promote fair and transparent refereeing. The IJF Referee Commission is fully prepared to review contest videos to ensure transparent decision-making throughout the event. We wish all athletes and teams the best of luck!”
IJF Head Sport Director Mr Vladimir Barta then ran the draw with the support of the IJF IT Team and all contest sheets were uploaded to JudoTV in preparation for an action-packed weekend.
All that is left now is a great warm-up and spectacular judo! Qingdao is ready. Are you?