Upsets Ignite Dushanbe’s Junior Grand Prix Start

The Hoji Sharif Dushanbe Grand Prix Juniors began on Saturday, 24 October 2026, with seven weight categories and a lively atmosphere in Tajikistan’s capital. A total of 227 athletes from 19 countries entered the event, gaining important international experience in a setting that matched the energy of senior-level competitions.

The crowd played its part throughout the day, backing the young judoka with strong and generous support. Ten of the 19 participating nations reached the podium, while Russia led the gold-medal count with three women’s titles. Kazakhstan secured two gold medals, and Poland and host nation Tajikistan each celebrated a champion.

Several top seeds saw their plans stopped early. In the men’s -60 kg category, Kazakhstan’s Seitzhan Mametov faced Egypt’s top seed Yassin Sabrah in the opening round. Mametov won the contest and carried that momentum all the way to gold, ahead of Mongolia’s Bat-Enerel Batbileg.

Kazakhstan added another title at -66 kg through Mukhammedali Zhylkaidar. He defeated Russian top seed Islam Sultygov before completing his run to the top of the podium. Georgia’s Saba Sabashvili took silver, while Mostafa Hamada of Egypt and Merabi Samadashvili of Georgia earned bronze.

The women’s categories brought more surprises. Sofia Zakharova took the -48 kg title ahead of her Russian teammate Anastasiia Barabash, who had been expected to win. At -52 kg, Uzbekistan’s top seed Sabina Azamatova lost in the semi-final and finished with bronze, as Valeriia Kozlova of Russia claimed gold.

Kazakhstan’s two gold medals came after victories over top-seeded opponents.

European Judo had a notable winner in the women’s -57 kg category, where Poland’s Emilia Bielawska secured the title. Vusala Hajiyeva of Azerbaijan finished second, with Daria Kuptsova of Russia and Khadizha Gadashova of Azerbaijan taking bronze.

The loudest celebration came in the men’s -73 kg division. Voris Nazarov gave the home supporters a gold medal, while Atmir Soblirov of Russia, who had lost in the semi-final, recovered to take bronze. In the women’s -63 kg category, top seed Aishat Alieva of Russia delivered on expectations and won gold.

Azerbaijan left the first day with three medals, all in women’s divisions, underlining the promise within its next generation. The remaining junior categories are scheduled for Sunday, 25 October, followed by an international training camp in Dushanbe from 26 to 28 October.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation