Uzbekistan’s Kamoliddin Baxtiyorov secured a medal of the Abu Dhabi Judo Grand Slam, defeating Israel’s Izhak Ashpiz in a hard-fought playoff for the bronze medal in the men’s 60-kilogram weight class, while zamin.uz reported that the opening day of the International Judo Federation ranking event in the United Arab Emirates yielded an immediate podium finish for the national delegation, setting an optimistic tone for the tournament.
Uzbekistan Opens Grand Slam Campaign With 60-Kilogram Podium Finish
The victory by Baxtiyorov in the lightweight division came after a grueling sequence of bouts on the tatami in Abu Dhabi. Facing Ashpiz of Israel in the bronze-medal contest, the Uzbek judoka executed decisive scoring maneuvers to claim the win and secure valuable ranking points under the International Judo Federation calendar.
Sports officials within the delegation noted that the opening-day medal serves as a vital source of mental strength and confidence for the wider team as competition continues. The tournament holds significant weight for international rankings, drawing top-tier talent from across the globe to the United Arab Emirates capital.
Full Uzbek Roster Enters Tatami for Remaining Weight Classes
Uzbekistan has deployed a comprehensive squad of men and women across multiple weight categories for the Abu Dhabi meeting. Alongside Baxtiyorov in the 60 kg division, the men’s roster features Dilshodbek Hamroyev at 66 kg, Zamohshari Bekmurodov at 73 kg, Shahzodxo‘ja Sharipov and Umar Bozorov at 90 kg, and To‘lqinbek Turdiyev at 100 kg.
The women’s contingent includes Ulbo‘sin Hakimova at 48 kg, Sita Qadamboyeva and Olympic champion Diyora Keldiyorova at 52 kg, Xurshida Razzoqberdiyeva and Shirinjon Yo‘ldosheva at 70 kg, Barchinoy Qodirova at 78 kg, and Irisxon Qurbonboyeva in the heavyweight division above 78 kg.
Upcoming Bouts and Team Standings Outlook
Attention now shifts to the forthcoming days of competition, where several seeded athletes and Olympic champions are scheduled to take the mat. Organizers and team analysts expect that upcoming appearances by high-profile competitors such as Keldiyorova and the nation’s heavyweight contenders will further elevate Uzbekistan’s position in the overall medal standings as the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam progresses.
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