The Dushanbe Grand Slam kicked off with thrilling judo action, packed stands, and historic moments. Madina Qurbonzoda, just 17, claimed bronze for Tajikistan, as stars like Buchard and Aghayev took gold. The local passion proves judo truly reigns supreme in Tajikistan.
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Welcome to Tajikistan, and the Dushanbe Grand Slam, one of the most vibrant events on the World Judo Tour. The arena was truly packed to the rafters, requiring an outdoor display and additional space for the thousands of judo loving locals, showing again how Judo truly is the number 1 sport in Tajikistan.
At -48kg, Anudari JAMSRAN took on Wenna ZHUANG. ZHUANG led the contest with a yuko, but with under one minute remaining JAMSRAN managed to score ippon and claim her first gold medal on the World Judo Tour.
An amazing achievement for the Mongolian youngster.
Badakhshan Mountainous Autonomous Region Judo Federation Chair, Mr Nurali SHARIFOV was on hand to award the medals.
At -60kg Balabay AGHAYEV overcame home favourite Mehrzod SUFIEV after putting on a fantastic performance. Scoring waza-ari he transitioned into an arm lock, forcing Sufiev to submit and scoring Ippon.
Aghayev was delighted to add another gold medal to his collection!
He was awarded his medal by Tajikistan Youth & Sports Committee Chair, Mr Zulfikor GULAHMADZODA.
At -52kg, World & Olympic medallist Amandine BUCHARD faced Mukhayyo AKHMATOVA. Buchard was dominant all day and continued so in the final, after expertly taking her opponent to the ground, she wasted no time securing a shime-waza.
Applying steady pressure, she forced the submission and secured an emphatic ippon victory.
She was awarded her medal by Tajikistan Youth & Sports Committee 1st Deputy. Chair Ms Shabnam RAHIMZODA.
At -66kg, with Nurali EMOMALI facing Obid DZHEBOV it was an all Tajik affair. An huge Ippon brought the crowd to their feet, securing Emomali as the number 1 in this category domestically.
The medals were awarded by Tajikistan Judo Federation President Mr Ismoil MAHMADZOIR.
At -57kg, Sarah Leonie CYSIQUE faced Natalia ELKINA. A hold down delivered her the victory, and her second Grand Slam gold medal!
She was awarded the gold medal by IJF Head Sport Director Mr Vladimir BARTA.
Local judoka lit up the arena none more than so than 17 year old Madina QURBONZODA who took an historic bronze!
Day one ends in dazzling Dushanbe — see you tomorrow for more!