The message reads, in part:
“Russia has the well-deserved honour of holding this prestigious and authoritative competition. Our country has always been very interested in this spectacular and dynamic sport, its unique history and philosophy.
I am confident that this tournament will be a large and significant event, and that it will attract broad attention of experts and many judo admirers, all the more so as the Grand Slam is on the calendar of important events in the run-up to the 32nd Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Athletes in these events will vie for medals and the qualification points needed to take part in the Olympic Games.”