The International Judo Federation (IJF) published an article about the Baku Grand Slam 2025 that took place at the National Gymnastics Arena on February 14-16.
Headlined “Great Success for the Baku Grand Slam,” the article reads: “The last three days have been particularly exciting, offering the large crowd at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan, a spectacle worthy of the greatest international sporting events. The Azerbaijan Judo Federation and all its partners can be proud of the work accomplished which has delivered another great success for this important event on the World Judo Tour calendar.
Everything was orchestrated perfectly, giving the athletes from the 36 participating countries the opportunity to give their best, allowing them to collect valuable points for the world ranking. The Olympic qualifications are still relatively far away, but positioning themselves at the top of the ranking will undoubtedly be a guarantee of success for the future champions.
The Japanese team made no mistake. They sent a top-notch team to Baku, the results confirm it, with a first place in the nations' ranking. Azerbaijan, even though its two headliners, Hidayat Heydarov and Zelym Kotsoiev, both reigning world and Olympic champions, were not present on the tatami, was able to line up other judoka who were able to taste the world's top level. In this very high-level context, the medals won by the host country place them among the best nations in the tournament.
As for the organisation, there is nothing to complain about. Azerbaijan knows how to do it and knows how to do it well. Everything was perfectly oiled. The memories of all the participants will certainly be excellent. The curtain has fallen on the Baku Grand Slam.
The minutes before the final block of this last day of competition in Baku saw young judoka come to the centre of the tatami for a lively and joyful judo session. The children are part of a programme for young people with cognitive difficulties. Judo is an incredible tool for helping and supporting children and integrating them into society. The Azerbaijan Judo Federation once again demonstrated its ability to integrate all audiences without any form of discrimination. The applause received by the children and the big smiles they displayed throughout the session are clear proof of the power of judo.”
