Golden Glory in Dushanbe: Tajikistan Shines on Day 2
Welcome to Tajikistan, where the spirit of Judo meets breathtaking beauty!
In the presence of the Honorable Rustam Emomali, Mayor of the city of Dushanbe, Mr Ismoil MAHMADZOIR, Tajikistan Judo Federation President and IJF Head Sport Director Mr Vladimir BARTA the event was officially opened.
At -73kg, Muhiddin ASADULLOEV faced Erdenebayar BATZAYA from Mongolia. ASADULLOEV scored a yuko and managed to hold off his opponent to claim his first Grand Slam gold medal. An impressive achievement for the 19 year old to the joy of the local fans!Dushanbe Mayor, Mr Rustam EMOMALI awarded the medals.
In the -63kg, Gankhaich BOLD faced double junior World Champion Melkia AUCHECORNE and made quick work of the contest. Ippon in under 30 seconds!
IJF Education & Coaching Director, Mr Mohammed MERIDJA awarded the medals.In the -70kg Lara CVJETKO faced Kelly PETERSEN POLLARD. After an epic eight and a half minutes of golden score, CVJETKO timed it perfectly to score ippon! A first Grand Slam gold for the World number 1.
IJF Head Referee Director, Mr Florin Daniel LASCAU awarded the medals.
It's one of my favourite destinations. I love the weather, I love the city, the people are really kind they're like always recognising us, I think they really recognise judo and I really love Tajikistan. It's a really nice destination.
In the -81kg, Olympic bronze medallist Somon MAKHMADBEKOV faced Adam TSECHOEV. It was an intense contest that came down to the final 30 seconds but MAKHMADBEKOV managed to score yuko with a hold down. Joy for the Tajik fans and another gold for his collection.Tajikistan NOC Vice President, Mr Dilshod NAZAROV awarded the medals.
I dedicate my gold medal to all of my cheering fans here and special thanks to my uncles and my coach.
There was also a bronze medal from Abubakr SHEROV to go with Tajikistan's two golds!
An incredible day for the home nation.
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