The 2026 World Judo Championships officially opened in Baku with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev and International Judo Federation President Marius Vizer attending a ceremony celebrating sport and the culture of the host nation.
Vizer welcomed the world judo community to Azerbaijan and thanked the government for its continued support of sport and international events, including the World Championships.
He described Azerbaijan as a country of energy, new technology and transformation, while also highlighting its sport, culture and traditions.
Vizer also congratulated the Azerbaijan Judo Federation and its leadership on their achievements in recent years.
He said judo could be a source of unity, friendship and peace in a troubled world before formally declaring the World Judo Championships in Baku opening ceremony.
IJF President, Marius Vizer
Earlier, Rashad Nabiyev, president of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation and minister of digital development and transport, welcomed the world judo community back to Baku.
Nabiyev highlighted the attention given to sport and the development of judo in Azerbaijan, as well as the support provided by President Aliyev, who also heads the country’s National Olympic Committee.
He also thanked the IJF and Vizer for awarding Baku the World Championships for a second time, saying their cooperation had contributed to the development of judo in Azerbaijan.
The official speeches were followed by an artistic programme featuring traditional dances, visual displays and lighting, celebrating the country’s culture and identity.
Opening ceremony – Baku 2026
A children’s choir performed the national anthem of Azerbaijan, followed by the IJF anthem, sung by Italian star Al Bano.
Al Bano then remained on stage and performed “Nessun Dorma”, “Libertà” and “Felicità”, bringing the opening ceremony to a close.
The World Judo Championships began on October 4 and will run until October 11. A total of 622 judokas from 93 countries, including 335 men and 287 women, are competing in Baku.
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