Temur Rakhimov is already a legend in the country. An Olympic medallist last year in Paris and a two-time World Judo Masters finalist, his tall stature and impressive figure are matched only by his kindness and calm demeanor, as well as his ability to produce beautiful judo. As the number one seed, he had a standard to uphold and had to prove he was unbeatable on home soil. After a first victory against Ruixuan Li (CHN) in the first round, he faced a serious contender, Uzbekistan's Muzaffarbek Turoboyev.
Did you say Turoboyev? The 2022 world champion and Olympic bronze medallist at -100 kg? Here in Dushanbe he was competing in his second heavyweight competition, after an unsuccessful first attempt in Austria last March. This time, the very tall Turoboyev would not reach a final in the +100 kg category. Defeated by ippon by Rakhimov, he is learning.
Thus, for the Tajik judoka, a new final opened up before him against the winner of the second part of the draw, Dzhamal Gamzatkhanov (AZE), already a grand slam finalist, that was in 2024 in Baku. And it was the final that everyone expected. There was tension, drama even, when the golden score started and Temur Rakhimov has two shido to his name. Everything was possible. One more penalty and it was over for the local hero. The public was under pressure, ready to explode with sadness or joy and in the end if was a joyful explosion when Rakhimov countered Gamzatkhanov with a subtil uki-otoshi for ippon. This was the perfect conclusion that everyone expected. Congratulations to Temur Rakhimov. Tajikistan Bapesh!
Kanan Nasibov (AZE) and Utkirbek Turoboyev (UZB), the aforementioned judoka’s brother, battled for the first bronze medal and he won after a clever move to avoid Nasibov's counterattack and drive him to the floor for ippon.
France continues to try to find a successor to the great Teddy Riner, who has decided not to retire yet and will continue until LA2028. Today, it was Tieman Diab (FRA) who stepped into Riner's immense shoes and qualified for the bronze medal contest against Muzaffarbek Turoboyev (UZB), each stepping onto the mat with their own unique challenge. In his cross-grip kumi-kata style, Turoboyev was the first to attack and attack again, but he was countered for a first yuko. The same action happened a little later with the same consequences, second yuko for the French judoka. The last seconds were tough but Tieman Diab managée to keep Turoboyev under control to win a well deserved first medal in a grand slam for the young athlete.
Final (+100 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (+100 kg)
