Judo Grand Prix in Dushanbe: folk hero Obid Jebov

The Dushanbe Judo Grand Prix has opened. The hall in the capital Tajikistan was already very well attended on the first day of the competition. Greetings were given by the Mayor of Dushanbe, Rustam Emomali, and Marius Vizer, Chairman of the World Judo Federation.

Huge atmosphere in Dushanbe

Maruša Štangar came to Tajikistan with a tailwind, just a week ago the Slovenian won gold at the Grand Prix in Linz. And that’s exactly how it went for Štangar. She secured her second Grand Prix victory in a row in the weight class up to 48 kilograms. She was honored by World Association President Marius Vizer.

“It’s really insane how loud the audience is here. An outstanding mood. And my parents were there too. The audience is so loud, it’s really great,” said the Slovenian.

For men up to 60 kilograms, Grand Prix gold went to Ramazan Abdulayev. In the final he defeated Turan Bayramov. The mayor of Dushanbe, Rustam Emomali, was responsible for the award ceremony.

There was no way around Alesya Kuznetsowa in the weight class up to 52 kilograms. For the 31-year-old, it was the second victory at an event on the world tour after 2013. Martial artist Islam Machachjew presented the precious metal.

The audience carries Dschebov to victory

The home crowd also had reason to celebrate. Obid Dschebow won gold in the weight class up to 66 kilograms. The final against Murad Tschopanov went into overtime. As a local, Jebov had the hall behind him, his compatriots roared with joy when his victory was certain. The gold medalist was honored by Ismoil Mahmadzoir, chairman of the Tajikistan Judo Federation.

“I am very proud of the audience and the way they have supported us. The best atmosphere in the world reigns here. It was a great honor that everyone cheered for me,” said Jebov.

The Uzbek Shukurjon Aminowa (weight class up to 57 kilograms) shed tears of joy after her first Grand Prix victory, she received the gold medal from the hands of the referee director of the world association, Armen Bagdasarov.

On the first day of competition, Tajikistan scooped another medal in addition to gold for Jebov: Mehrzod Sufiyev won bronze in the men’s up to 60 kg category. A promising start to the Grand Prix weekend!