World Junior Judo Championships in Dushanbe: Day of the heavyweights

On the fourth day of the 2024 World Junior Judo Championship, crowds from all around the world gather in the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe.

After three incredible days of Judo, October 5th is the day of heavyweights.

The event was officially opened by the Director General of the IJF Vlad Marinescu and Ismoil Mahmadzoir, President of Tajik Judo.

During the grand ceremony, which included some of Tajikistan’s biggest Judo stars and impressive performances, the crowd celebrated the birthday of Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan.

Gold for Colombia at -78kg

There was history for Colombia. At -78kg Brenda Olaya brilliantly took her German opponent backwards, to claim her country’s first-ever Junior World Champion. Rustam Emomali, the Mayor of Dushanbe, awarded the medals.

“I’m very excited. I’ve worked hard for this, it’s my last junior year so it’s super. I’m very proud to represent Colombia. I love them and they are very kind, very generous. Thank you Tajikistan.” said Olaya.

Textbook tomoe-nage in the -100kg final

Uzbekistan’s Muhammadsodik Sodikov fought in the -100kg final and a well-executed Tomoe-Nage scoring waza-ari, earned him the junior title. Director General Marinescu presented the medals.

“We needed this gold very much, the whole team was supporting me, so a big ‘thank you’ to them,” said Sodikov, “It was my first time in Tajikistan, it’s very nice and the spectators were a great support. We felt the love of our neighbouring country, thank you to all,” he added.

First Korean victory in +78kg

At +78kg Hyeonji Lee gave a good performance. The Korean fighter defeated Celia Cancan of France in the final. Gulnora Kenja Khasanzoda, Tajikistan Minister of Labour, Migration & Employment awarded the medals.

In the +100kg final, Denis Batchaev capitalised on a mistake from Azerbaijan’s Kanan Nasibov and secured an inescapable hold down which earned him the gold. It was presented to him by the Tajik Judo President Mahmadzoir.

The excited crowd will be back tomorrow for the Mixed Team Event.