It was this guarantee that Obid Dzhebov and Nurali Emomali offered on a golden platter to a delirious crowd at the end of their respective semi-finals. It must be said that the only spoiler could have been Yashar Najafov (AZE), who was the only judoka to reach the final four, not from Tajikistan. Unfortunately for him but luckily for the audience, he was defeated by Dzhebov.
In terms of applause, there was no doubt that Emomali, the 2022 junior world champion and recent bronze medallist at the Asian Championships, was the most supported athlete of the day. Each of his appearances on the mat triggered a thunderous cheer from the stands. This had a positive effect on the now world number 6, who joined his compatriot in the final for the above mentioned guaranteed Tajik victory. It remained to be seen whether Obid Dzhebov or Nurali Emomali would claim the holy grail.
It was clear from the first hajime, that neither Dzhebov nor Emomali were here to play and they launched themselves into the final at full speed and power. It didn't take long for Emomali to create the first opportunity and it was a massive one, a masterpiece, koshi-guruma for a clear and powerful ippon. Gold and silver stay in Tajikistan in the men's -66 kg category.
It wasn't over yet for the local judoka, as Yosin Bobokalonov (TJK) faced Toyly Myradov (TKM) for a podium finish. Once again the public played an important role in the victory of Bobokalonov, after Myradov was penalised with a shird shido. The bronze medal was for Yosin Bobokalonov (TJK).
Artyom Shturbabin (UZB) flew the flag high for Uzbekistan during the first half of the competition. He qualified for the second bronze medal contest against Yashar Najafov (AZE). The judoka reached golden score with one shido for Shturbabin and two for Najafov. After almost four minutes of extra time and after an innumerable number of attack from both sides, Artyom Shturbabin eventually managed to score a waza-ari with a ko-uchi-gari to win the bronze medal.
Final (-66 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-66 kg)
