Uzbekistan and Mongolia shine on Opening Day of 42nd WMC Judo
TASHKENT (UZB) – The 42nd World Military Judo Championship kicked off in grand style with a spectacular opening ceremony in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The ceremony set the tone for an exciting week of high-level competition, with participants from around the world gathering to showcase their judo skills. Dignitaries, athletes, and spectators were treated to a vibrant display of culture and sportsmanship, creating an atmosphere of unity and anticipation for the matches ahead.
The first day of competition at the 42nd World Military Judo Championship unfolded with thrilling matches in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Athletes from various nations showcased their skills across multiple weight categories, delivering exciting moments for both participants and spectators.
In the -48kg category for women, Mongolia’s Ganbaatar Narantsetseg claimed the gold medal, triumphing over Khalimajon Kurbonova from Uzbekistan in a gripping final. Anais Perrot from Italy and Uzbekistan’s Laziza Khaydarova secured the bronze medals.
In the -52kg women’s category, Uzbekistan celebrated a victory as Gulkhayo Juraeva emerged as the champion, defeating Tserentogtokh Gal-Od. The bronze went to Martina Castagnola and Leonie Gonzalez.
The -57kg category saw an all-Mongolian final, with Lkhagvasuren Sosorbaram defeating Munkhtsedev Ichinkhorloo to take gold. Martha Fawaz from France and Nilufar Ermaganbetova from Uzbekistan rounded off the podium with bronze medals.
In the -63kg category, France’s Gaetane Deberdt claimed gold after overcoming Uzbekistan’s Nigina Saparbaeva. Brigitta Varga from Italy and Austria’s Lisa Grabner earned the bronze medals.
On the men’s side, Kazakhstan dominated the -60kg category, with Serikbaev Nurkanat defeating Sherzod Davlatov for the gold. Bronze medals were awarded to Bakhrom Boturov from Uzbekistan and Jeon Seungbeom from Korea.
In the -66kg category, Algeria’s Kais Moudetere won gold after a hard-fought victory against Abdulrakhim Nuftullaev of Uzbekistan. Ayoub Benlaribi of Algeria and Zhanarys Rakhmetkali of Kazakhstan secured bronze.
Finally, in the -73kg category, Uzbekistan’s Skakhram Akhadov delighted the home crowd with a gold medal victory, defeating Algeria’s Dris Messaoud in the final. Matt Naim from Switzerland and Bakhitzhan Abdurakhmanov from Kazakhstan claimed bronze.
At the conclusion of an exciting first day, the competition continues with more high-stakes matches scheduled for Thursday, October 17. The individual competition will feature the women’s 70kg, 78kg, and +78kg categories, along with the men’s 81kg, 90kg, 100kg, and +100kg divisions. Additionally, a special Military Para-Judo event will take place, followed by the awarding ceremony to honor the day's champions. Stay tuned for more thrilling judo action!
- Follow the event live and rewatch all the competitions on the Youtube Channel of the LOC
- Download the full draw of the competition
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department - Pictures: Ministry of Defense of Uzbekistan)
