World kick-boxing championships open in Belgrade

Serbia's Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic at the opening ceremony

Belgrade, November 23 (agencies) - Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic opened the 13th World kick-boxing Championships in Belgrade on Thursday evening.

"It is a pleasure to open the first world championship for seniors being hosted by Belgrade in the past 20 years. This is a great tribute to this city and Yugoslavia. I am confident we will be good hosts and justify the expectations of the sports public," Djindjic said.

"Having in mind the quality of the Yugoslav representatives, I expect that they will achieve good results at this competition. I wish to all participants a fair contest and may the best win," he said.

Over a period of four days, 735 athletes from 63 countries will compete in this world championship.