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Judo Grand Prix in Dushanbe: People’s Hero Obid Chebow

Obid Dzhebov won gold for Tajikistan at the Judo Grand Prix in Dushanbe. This was loudly celebrated in the hall.

The Judo Grand Prix of Dushanbe has opened. The hall in the capital of Tajikistan was already very well attended on the first day of the competition. The mayor of Dushanbe, Rustam Emomali, and Marius Vizer, the chairman of the World Judo Federation, gave welcoming speeches.

Great atmosphere in Dushanbe
Maruša Štangar came to Tajikistan with a tailwind, just a week ago the Slovenian won gold at the Linz Grand Prix. And that was exactly how it went for Štangar. She secured her second Grand Prix victory in a row in the 48 kilogram weight category. She was honoured by World Federation President Marius Vizer.

“It’s really crazy how loud the crowd is here. It’s an outstanding atmosphere. And my parents were there too. The crowd is so loud, really great,” said the Slovenian.

In the men’s up to 60 kilograms Grand Prix gold went to Ramazan Abdulajew. He defeated Turan Bayramow in the final. Dushanbe’s mayor Rustam Emomali was responsible for the award ceremony.

There was no way around Alesya Kuznetsova in the 52 kilogram weight class. It was the 31-year-old’s second victory at a World Tour event after 2013. The martial artist Islam Makhachiev presented the precious metal.

The audience carries Dzhebov to victory
The home crowd also had reason to cheer. Obid Dschebow won gold in the weight category up to 66 kilograms. The final against Murad Chopanov went into overtime. As a local, Dschebow had the hall behind him, his compatriots raved with joy when his victory was certain. The gold medallist was honoured by Ismoil Mahmadzoir, chairman of the Judo Federation of Tajikistan.

“I am very proud of the audience and the way they supported us. The atmosphere here is the best in the world. It was a great honour to have everyone cheering me on,” said Chebow.

Tears of joy flowed for Uzbekistan’s Shukurjon Aminova (weight category up to 57 kilograms) after her first Grand Prix victory, she received the gold medal from the hands of the referee director of the world federation, Armen Bagdasarov.

Tajikistan also won another medal on the first day of the competition in addition to the gold for Dzhebov: Mehrzod Sufiev won bronze in the men’s 60-kilogram category. An auspicious start to the Grand Prix weekend!

By Julia