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Gold for Bobonov: President Mirsiyoyev joined in the celebrations

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirsiyoyev had picked the right day to visit the World Judo Championships. He met Marius Vizer, President of the International Judo Federation, in Tashkent. Together they experienced how a piece of Uzbek sports history was written.

On the first four days of competition, local judo enthusiasts in Tashkent had to do without medal cheers. On the first day of the new week, however, they were redeemed by Davlat Bobonov. The 25-year-old won gold in the weight category up to 90 kilograms. With third place at the Tokyo Olympics and victory at the Asian Games, Bobonov was already successful last year, but the world championship title at the fights in his home country was then a different matter.

That Christian Parlati of Italy was his opponent in the final was something of a surprise. The 24-year-old is ranked 21st in the world, but Tashkent was already a good place for him last March when he won the local Grand Slam. In the extremely competitive World Championship final, he did not let himself be impressed, but ultimately lost to the darling of the masses. Ilias Iliadis, Olympic and world champion and now coach of Uzbekistan, also rejoiced with him.

“I still think it was a dream “

Uzbekistan’s president had brought luck to the new world champion, the excitement in the hall was palpable. Bobonov received the gold medal from the hands of Shavkat Mirsiyoyev and could hardly believe it:

“Before the final, the prime minister himself told me that the president would be watching the fight. When the president handed me the medal, I was really gobsmacked. I still think it was a dream,” Bobonov said.

The winners of a competition in which the judo federation offered trips to the World Championships in Tashkent were welcomed by Secretary General Jean-Luc Rougé, Treasurer Naser Al Tamimi and Director General Vlad Marinescu.

Gold and silver for Croatia

In the women’s up to 70 kilograms it was clear in view of the final pairing: Croatia will take gold and silver. Defending champion Barbara Matić swept through the preliminary rounds in a rush, in the final she met her compatriot Lara Cvjetko. The experienced Matić had the better arguments and became world champion for the second time.

Sanda Čorak, responsible for educational matters at the World Judo Federation, honoured her two compatriots with gold and silver.

“It is Croatia’s time. This is the leading country in the weight category up to 70 kilograms now,” said Matić.

Dutchwoman Sanne van Dijke showed sportsmanship when she carried her injured opponent Shiho Tanaka off the mat in the bronze medal match. Her compatriot, former coach Cor van der Geest, was promoted to the rank of eighth dan by World Federation President Marius Vizer: An expression of recognition for his many years of service, among others for the benefit of the Dutch Judo Federation.

By Klaus