Inauguration of the World Judo Championship takes place in Baku

Inauguration of the World Judo Championship took place in the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and family members, President of the International Judo Federation Marius Vizer, and state and government officials attended the ceremony.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev declared the World Judo Championship open.

President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and family members had a talk with former President of the European Olympic Committee Patrick Hickey and world-renowned singer Al Bano around a tea table.

Some 800 sportsmen from 125 countries will compete at the World Judo Championship to continue until September 27. At the championship, Azerbaijan will be represented by 9 men and 6 women.