Tickets for the Judo World Championships to be held in Baku from October 4 to 11 have already been purchased by fans from 38 countries.
İdman.Biz reports that Rashad Rasullu, executive vice-president of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, revealed the figures in an interview with AZERTAC.
“Fan interest is quite high. Since ticket sales started, we have seen strong activity from both local and foreign judo fans. Tickets for the World Championships have already been purchased from 38 countries,” Rasullu said.
According to him, the figure demonstrates the high level of international interest in the championships, which will bring together the world's leading judokas at the National Gymnastics Arena.
Rasullu added that preparations for the tournament have entered their final stage. The Azerbaijan Judo Federation is working in close coordination with the International Judo Federation and the Ministry of Youth and Sports on issues including the competition venue, logistics, accommodation for participants and officials, media operations and spectator services.
He also revealed that Azerbaijan's preliminary squad for the World Championships is expected to be announced at the end of next week following the Budapest Grand Slam. The final roster will be confirmed at the end of September.
The federation official noted that the athletes' recent results, current form and level of preparation will be taken into account when selecting the team.
Rasullu also stressed that the Azerbaijani judokas are highly motivated ahead of the home World Championships.
“The fact that the World Championships will be held in Baku, in front of our home fans, provides additional motivation for our athletes,” he said.
The Judo World Championships will take place in Baku from October 4 to 11, with the National Gymnastics Arena hosting the sport's biggest event of the year.
