The programme began with a live performance of ‘Men Qazaqstan Balasy’ sung by Erkebulan Bauyrzhan which was followed by a video showing the judo journey of Olympic and world champion Yeldos Smetov. This led into the announcement that Yeldos would be taking part in a special demonstration contest against his 6 year old son, Omar Baktybay,
As Yeldos and Omar arrived in the arena, the spectators cheered and applauded, enjoying the show, and then the referee called “Hajime.” The fight began.
Omar scored first, a yuko. He scored again but then Yeldos, gold backpatch visible to all, also scored a yuko to close the gap. It was then that Omar launched his father for ippon. Both smiled and the audience appreciated their effort.
To present the winner of the contest, Omar with a commemorative judogi, Kazakhstan’s first Olympic medallist in judo, Askhat Zhitkeyev, walked on to the central tatami.
Yeldos Smetov then spoke warmly, “The Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam played a key role in my journey towards winning Olympic gold in Paris. I recall that in 2024, right in this arena, I won a bronze medal and entered the Olympic ranking eventually securing my qualification for the Olympic Games.
To every fan present, every young judoka and every child in Kazakhstan, you have the opportunity to compete at prestigious events too. Maybe someone here could go on to win the Olympic Games.
My family supported me on my path to Olympic success and I am now in the position to support my own son as he takes his first steps in judo. Young judoka can one day defeat future Olympic champions and encourage everyone to believe in that possibility.”
After his speech, Yeldos threw autographed T-shirts to fans in the stands and left the arena to a standing ovation. The inspired crowd inside the sports hall had a unique opportunity to enjoy this fun occasion with their hero, another example of Kazakhstan’s commitment to the inspiration of the next generation of judoka.