The host nation of Tajikistan showed their pride for Judo
There was a passion in the air with a desire for beautiful judo that could not be denied at the 2023 Dushanbe Grand Prix in Dushanbe, Tajikistan! The Kasri Tennis Arena was packed in support of the host nation of Tajikistan. The country's pride for judo and their competing athletes was on to the fullest effect during all days of competition!
On day one of competition there were no easy matches to be found on the tatami. All judoka came ready to attack aggressively looking for big scores to grant them the win. The host nation of Tajikistan secured their first gold medal of the weekend. It belongs to Obid Dzhebov of the -66kg category who had yet to display his judo at the senior level but boasted a strong junior record. With the help of the enthusiastic home crowd he proved he belonged.
Day two we saw an all Tajik final at the -81kg leaving the bronze medals to the visiting judoka. In two days the home country has two gold medals to boast. The -81kg final between Somon Makhmadbekov and Shodmon Rizoev brought the Tajik pride to full display. It was clear that the result of the final did not matter to the crowd. They appreciated the moment that the sport of judo had given them a memory that will last the country a lifetime.
As always check out the full results from the 2023 Dushanbe Grand Prix down below!
2023 Dushanbe Grand Prix Medal Count:
- Tajikistan - 3 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze
- Germany - 1 Gold, 2 Silver
- France - 1 Gold, 3 Bronze
- Croatia - 1 Gold, 2 Bronze
Mens Division
-60kg
- Ramazan Abdulaev (AIN)
- Turan Bayramov (AZE)
- Luka Mkheidze (FRA)
- Mehrzod Sufiev (TJK)
-66kg
- Obid Dzhebov (TJK)
- Murad Chopanov (AIN)
- Yasha Najafov (AZE)
- Sunggat Zhubatkan (AZE)
-73kg
- Makhmadbek Majhmadbekov (AIN)
- Behruzi Khojazoda (TJK)
- Gilberto Cardoso (MEX)
- Axus Benjamin (FRA)
-81kg
- Somon Makhmadbekov (TJK)
- Shodmon Rizoev (TJK)
- Ibrahim Keita (FRA)
- Anri Egutidze (POR)
-90kg
- Komronshokh Ustopiriyon (TJK)
- Eldar Allakhverdiev (AIN)
- David Klammert (AZE)
- Eljan Hajiyev (AZE)
-100kg
- Matvey Kanikovskiy (AIN)
- Niiaz Bilalov (AIN)
- Zlatko Kumric (CRO)
- Gonchigsuren Batkhuyag (MGL)
+100kg
- Tamerlan Bashaev (AIN)
- Temur Rakhimov (TJK)
- Yerassyl Kazhybaev (KAZ)
- Magomedomar Magomedomarov
Womens Division
-48kg
- Marusa Stangar (SLO)
- Sabina Giliazova (AIN)
- Narantsetseg Ganbaatar (MGL)
- Andrea Stojadinov (SRB)
-52kg
- Alesya Kuznetsova (AIN)
- Gultaj Mammadaliyeva (AZE)
- Khorloodoi Bishrelt (UAE)
- Zhu Yeqing (CHN)
-57kg
- Shukurjon Aminova (UZB)
- Thauany David Capanni Dias (ITA)
- Veronica Toniolo (ITA)
- Qi Cai (CHN)
-63kg
- Katarina Kristo (CRO)
- Sarai Padilla Guerrero (ESP)
- Magdalena Krssakova (AUT)
- Iva Oberan (CRO)
-70kg
- Margaux Pinot (FRA)
- Katarzyna Sobierajska (POL)
- Kuka Loriana (KOS)
- Kelly Petersen Pollard (GBR)
-78kg
- Anna Monta Olek (GER)
- Anna Maria Wagner (GER)
- Giorgia Stangherlin (ITA)
- Aleksandra Babintseva (AIN)
+78kg
- Rochele Nunes (POR)
- Samira Bouizgarne (GER)
- Adiyasuren Amarsaikhan (MGL)
- Daria Vladmirova (MGL)
The atmosphere in Dushanbe was absolutely incredible during every match of the weekend. The organizers of the Grand Prix were most certainly up to the challenge and rose to the occasion. 315 athletes from 40 countries across 5 continents were welcomed, allowing many of the nation's young talent to display their judo.
