Judo's Lustrous Display in Dushanbe: Past, Notable Personalities, and National Triumph
🔥Let's dive into Tajikistan's electrifying Dushanbe Grand Slam 🔥
This topsy-turvy judo event held in sunny Tajikistan had the World Judo Tour buzzing! The arena was jammed to the gills, causing an outdoor display and more space for the crazed judo fans in attendance – further evidence that this sport is the undisputed #1 in Tajikistan.
At a hot -48kg weight class, Anudari JAMSRAN (Mongolia) squared off against Wenna ZHUANG (China). ZHUANG had things under control with a yuko, but JAMSRAN capitalized on the last minute, scoring a sensational ippon and snagging her first gold medal on the World Judo Tour.
An astronomical moment for the little Mongolian powerhouse!
During the medal ceremony, it was the Badakhshan Mountainous Autonomous Region Judo Federation Chair, Mr Nurali SHARIFOV, who hustled onto the scene to present the medals.
Meanwhile, over at the -60kg class, Balabay AGHAYEV (Azerbaijan) managed to outshine home favorite Mehrzod SUFIEV after delivering an electrifying performance. Using a dazzling waza-ari, AGHAYEV seamlessly transitioned into an arm lock, compelling SUFIEV to submit and bagging himself another gold medal!
He was showered with love and adulation when Tajikistan Youth & Sports Committee Chair, Mr Zulfikor GULAHMADZODA, presented him with his medal.
At the -52kg class, doyenne Amandine BUCHARD (France) met her match in Mukhayyo AKHMATOVA. BUCHARD was untouchable throughout the day and continued her streak in the final by deftly taking her opponent to the floor and forcing a shime-waza.
Finally, sealing the deal with a steady onslaught, she secured an emphatic ippon victory. She was presented her medal by the Tajikistan Youth & Sports Committee 1st Deputy. Chair MS Shabnam RAHIMZODA.
The drama didn't stop there; at the -66kg, native Tajiks Nurali EMOMALI and Obid DZHEBOV faced off, delivering an all-Tajik showdown. A monumental ippon from EMOMALI left the crowd in a frenzy, establishing him as the top dog in this category.
The medals shower was led by the Tajikistan Judo Federation President, Mr Ismoil MAHMADZOIR.
True local heroes were noticeable throughout the competition, with none shining as brightly as 17-year-old Madina QURBONZODA. Her historic bronze lit up the arena and gave the packed home crowd even more to cheer about!
The first day ended on a high note in the beautiful city of Dushanbe – so much so that we can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!
Keen on learning more? Check out the highlights from the 2025 Tbilisi Grand Slam and the drama, glory, and Georgian gold it instigated! 🏆
- In the midst of the thrilling Dushanbe Grand Slam, shortcuts weren't necessary to find the football field, as it was evidently located nearby, with the sound of kicked balls echoing off the arena during breaks in the judo action.
- While the judo tournament predominantly captured attention, some athletic individuals chose to play 52kg matches on the makeshift football pitch, fostering a unique blend of sports within the grand event.
- After an exhausting day of judo, spectators were entertained by a spontaneous pick-up game of football, showcasing that even off the judo mat, the spirit of competition and sportsmanship remained strong in Dushanbe.
