Kazan 2013 Ambassador Tagir Khaybulaev: The performance in Kazan is at the level of the Olympics

"The performance here at the level of the Olympics. I was in London, and this is comparable,” said the judoka. The Opening Ceremony was the best of all Universiades so far. Behind the scenes, torch in hand, I was a little nervous, but as I walked onstage this turned into a sense of joy and pride."

Tagir Khaybulaev praised the level of the athletes taking part in the judo competition at the Universiade. "We have two two-time world champions participating. Overall, we have a very distinguished representation. Asia always brings top athletes to the competition, and Russia has the best judo wrestlers,"  he said.

Tomofumi Takajo from Japan, who is now the Universiade champion in the weight category up to 66 kg, admitted that he was pleased with his victory. "My opponents were strong, so now I really can be proud," said Takajo. "I won thanks to keeping myself motivated for the entire day."

Asked whether he was able to try local food and rate the quality of the organisation at the Universiade," Takajo said. "At the moment I follow a strict diet, but as soon as I am out, I'd really like to try the local food, as I have heard that it is very tasty. I liked the international liaison allowing for communication with international participants. And we're all trying to collect badges from different countries, and this is becoming a competition in itself."

Brazilian Ketleyn Quadros, who won in the up to 57 kg category, compared this victory with her medal at the 2008 Olympics. "This is a significant victory for me," said Quadros. "But the most memorable is the bronze medal at the Olympic Games, which I won in Beijing."