“The first time I came to this arena was to become world champion. I will always remember that day. It is the dream of every judoka who takes part in this event. Of course, you want to stand on the podium but becoming world number one, the person who will always be called a world champion, is something extraordinary. It was eight years ago but it feels like yesterday. I remember every moment, every contest, every difficulty and, above all, how I managed to overcome them.”
Saeid Mollaei has faced many difficulties in his life but he has never lost his fighting spirit. “I am a competitor by nature. I wanted to become world champion and, after a great deal of work, I did. It was not easy but if I had to do it all again, I would change nothing. Returning to this arena is very emotional. Even if the atmosphere and the look and feel are different, I will always feel deeply connected to the National Gymnastics Arena.”
Today, Mollaei walks through the arena in an impeccable suit and tie, a contrast to the judogi he wore eight years ago. He is happy to be part of the 2026 world championships in another capacity.
“There is naturally some nostalgia. It is strange not to be on the tatami but I am truly happy to have been invited by IJF President Mr Marius Vizer. Eight years ago, I thought only about myself, my performance and my victories. Today, I can look around me, meet so many people and experience the atmosphere differently. Back then, I was focused on my body and my mind. Today, I can open myself to others, but, of course, I still miss it.”
Inevitably, on the fourth day of competition, Mollaei was present to follow the -81 kg category with particular attention. “I could not miss my category, the category that made me world champion. Watching some of my former opponents, I found myself thinking, ‘I was there. I did it.’ Tato Grigalashvili has now done it four times. This is incredible. He really is the king!
While I used to fight for myself, I now want to fight for the development of judo. I still aim for gold though. The suit has changed but not my motivation or my desire to achieve great things.”
For Mollaei, the -81 kg category remains one of the most compelling in judo, filled with champions for whom he has immense respect. “I know what it means to reach that level. So I take my hat off to them. In the end, who wins or loses is not so important. What matters is being there and giving everything.”
Saeid Mollaei has changed his suit but not the essence of who he is. The champion who conquered Baku eight years ago is still driven by the same desire to move forward, to give his best and to make a difference, no longer as an athlete chasing a medal or a podium but as a man determined to give back to the judo community all that it has given him.
He will continue to return, in a suit or on the tatami whenever the opportunity arises, still pursuing an idea of gold: contributing, through judo, to a fairer society.