Uzbekistan Shines as Grand Slam Concludes

Tashkent Uzbekistan hosted the final day of the OTP Group Tashkent Grand Slam.

The energy in the arena was at fever pitch, following suit from the 2 riotous days of competition so far, and today was set for a climactic conclusion with the historically successful heavyweights in Uzbekistan.

And Shakhzodxuja Sharipov stepped up to be Uzbekistan’s hero!

He was unstoppable all day at -90kg, with the power of the nation behind him, he gave everyone exactly what they came for!

In the final he defeated Japan’s KAWABATA Komei to give Uzbekistan their first gold medal of the tournament!

Uzbekistan Judo Federation President Mr Azizjon KAMILOV awarded him his gold medal.

“I felt with my whole body everyone screaming ‘Uzbekistan’ and my name, and this was a huge motivation for me, thank you very much everyone here for the support”, said Sharipov.

At -78kg Olympic bronze medallist Ma Zhenzhao blasted through her day, even defeating the Olympic Silver Medallist Inbar Lanir with effective groundwork to reach the final and to take gold. She was awarded her medals by OTP Group Ipoteka Bank CEO, Mr Sandro RTVELADZE.

“I think the best version of myself really emerges with excited crowds like in Tashkent, it helped me focus on the match a lot. I love atmospheres like Uzbekistan where people love judo”, said Ma Zhenzhao.

Matvey KANIKOVSKIY put on yet another impeccable performance. An expertly executed turnover on the ground was enough to seal victory. Now setting himself up as one of the best at -100kg, the whole category will be on high alert. He was awarded his medal by IJF Education & Coaching Director, Mr Mohammed MERIDJA.

At +78kg NIU Xinran gave China a second gold medal, defeating Olympic Silver Medallist Raz Hershko on the way to the final - making it a cleansweep for the Chinese women today. IJF Head Sport Director, Mr Vladimir BARTA awarded the medals.

At +100kg Denis BATCHAEV defeated Valerii ENDOVITSKII in a tactical battle, to take the heavyweight gold medal. The medals were awarded by IJF Head Referee Director Mr Armen BAGDASAROV.

And it wasn’t just a gold medal for Uzbekistan, typically very strong in the heavyweights, the local team took a number of other medals bringing huge joy to the judo crazy fans here in Uzbekistan.

This spectacular judo has been a hallmark of this event every year, you can feel the energy in the local team, with each Ippon getting a louder cheer than the last.

Showing why Tashkent is one of the mainstays on the IJF World Judo Tour. See you next week in Linz for the first Grand Prix in 2025.