Baku:The opening ceremony of the World Judo Championships took place at the National Gymnastics Arena with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan in attendance.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Aliyev met with Azerbaijani judoka Ahmad Yusifov, who won a gold medal at the championships. The President congratulated Yusifov on his victory, noting the intense competition and expressing his confidence in Yusifov's future success in representing Azerbaijan.

The ceremony commenced with a video presentation highlighting the development of sports in Azerbaijan. Rashad Nabiyev, President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation and Minister of Digital Development and Transport, welcomed the global judo community to Baku and emphasized the nation's commitment to sports, particularly judo, with support from President Aliyev.

Ladislau-Marius Vizer, President of the International Judo Federation, also addressed the attendees, praising the Azerbaijani government's support for sports and events like the World Judo Championships. He congratulated the Azerbaijan Judo Federation and recent winners for their accomplishments.

The event featured an artistic program, followed by performances of the national anthems of Azerbaijan and the International Judo Federation. The ceremony concluded with a concert by renowned Italian singer Al Bano.

The World Judo Championships, having started on October 4, will run until October 11, with 622 judokas from 93 countries, including 335 men and 287 women, participating in this prestigious event.