Tribune News Network
Doha
Under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, the opening ceremony of the World Judo Championships – Doha 2023 was held on Monday evening at the Khalid Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Hall in Doha, in the presence of a large local and international audience.
In his welcome speech, Khalid bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Director of the Local Organizing Committee of the World Judo Championships – Doha 2023, expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, saying: "We are pleased to host the best world-class judokas. This championship is an opportunity to shed light on Qatar’s commitment to attracting the world’s largest sports events, and we thank everyone who made this event possible.”
Marius Vizer, President of the International Judo Federation also praised Qatar’s efforts in organizing the championship, saying, "Through investing in sports, you invest in a better future for the world, in education, unity, friendship and non-discrimination.
"I would like to express our gratitude to the government of Qatar for its support for international sporting events and promoting judo worldwide,” Vizer added.
The opening ceremony was a journey to the heart of Qatari culture, with two songs from traditional folklore, in addition to a blend of children’s performances combining judo and Qatari heritage.
The ceremony ended with the resumption of the final competitions in the women’s under 52kg category, where Japan’s Uta Abe from Japan successfully defended her title as World Champion by defeating Uzbekistan’s Diyora Keldiyorova in an intense final. The bronze medals were secured by Odette Guiffrida from Italy and Amandine Buchard from France.
Abe’s victory in the World Judo Championships - Doha 2023 marks her fourth consecutive World Championship win, having previously won in Baku 2018, Tokyo 2019, and Tashkent 2022.
In the men’s under 66kg category, Japan’s Hifumi Abe emerged victorious, claiming the gold medal after defeating Japan’s Joshiro Maruyama in a thrilling final. Bronze medals were awarded to Mongolia’s Yondonperenlein Baskhüü and France’s Walide Khyar.
Hifumi Abe secures his fourth World Championship gold medal with this victory, having previously emerged victorious in Budapest 2017, Baku 2018, and Tashkent 2022.