The competition set-up was every bit as impressive as those at senior events and the stadium came alive through the day. The Tajik crowd offered warm, generous support to the athletes, once again showing why it is among the most enthusiastic audiences on the world circuit.
Ten of the 19 nations entered reached the podium. Russia led the gold-medal count with three titles, all won in women’s categories. Kazakhstan claimed two gold medals, while Poland and host nation Tajikistan also celebrated victories.
Several of the day’s contests overturned expectations. In the men’s -60 kg category, Kazakhstan’s Seitzhan Mametov was drawn against top seed Yassin Sabrah of Egypt in the opening round. Mametov won that contest and continued all the way to gold. Mukhammedali Zhylkaidar (KAZ) followed a similar path in the -66 kg category, defeating top seed Islam Sultygov (RUS) before going on to take the title.
In the women’s -48 kg final, Anastasiia Barabash had been expected to win but her Russian teammate Sofia Zakharova took gold instead. The -52 kg category also proved difficult for its top seed; Sabina Azamatova (UZB) was beaten in the semi-final and finished with bronze, while Valeriia Kozlova (RUS) claimed the title.
The home crowd had plenty to celebrate in the men’s -73 kg category. Russia’s Atmir Soblirov fell in the semi-final but recovered to win bronze, while Voris Nazarov (TJK) went on to take gold, prompting a joyful response from the stands.
There were also performances to confirm high expectations. Emilia Bielawska (POL) won the women’s -57 kg title, while Aishat Alieva (RUS), the top seed at -63 kg, also finished on top of the podium.
Azerbaijan collected three medals, all in women’s categories, a promising sign of the growing strength of its next generation of female judoka.
The competition continues on Sunday, when the remaining junior categories will be decided. An international training camp will follow in Dushanbe from 26th to 28th October.
Final Results (-48 kg)
Final Results (-60 kg)
Final Results (-52 kg)
Final Results (-66 kg)
Final Results (-57 kg)
Final Results (-73 kg)
Final Results (-63 kg)
Photos © Bahrom Jalilov - Tajikistan Judo Federation