Karaganda athletes won two medals at the World Judo Championships. The tournament, which featured 457 cadets from 59 countries, was held in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The Kazakh team achieved the best result in the country's history. Karaganda athletes contributed to the overall achievement: Adilzhan Zhaudinov won gold, and Bekli Yerken won bronze.
Ermaganbet Bulekpayev, Akim (Governor) of the region, met with the athletes and their coaches.
"At this world championship, you demonstrated character, endurance, and the will to win against the strongest opponents. Your result is not only a personal achievement of the athletes, but also the hard work of your coaches and everyone who supports and develops the sport on a daily basis. I congratulate you and wish you success, new medals, and continued achievement in conquering the highest athletic heights!" I am confident that our athletes have many more exciting starts and victories ahead, which will make not only our region but all of Kazakhstan proud, said the head of the region.
For their outstanding achievements at the World Championships, the athletes were presented with cars, and their coaches received cash certificates.
Adilzhan Zhaudinov, a student of the Zhas Sunkar Regional Specialized Children's and Youth Sports School in Temirtau, took first place in the over 90 kg weight class. He has been practicing judo for seven years and trains under the guidance of Almas Nesipberlinov. This year alone, the athlete won three first places at the European Cadet Cups held in Antalya, Ganja, and Bielsko-Biala.
At the World Championships, Adilzhan captained the Kazakhstan team, making a significant contribution to the team's victory and winning gold medals in both the individual and team competitions.
"We prepared long and hard. Of the four bouts, the second one was the most difficult – against an opponent from Brazil. In the final, I fought against Russian Abdulmanaf Ramazanov. I'm certainly happy with the result. Thank you to everyone who believed and supported me. Now I'll have a little rest, and we'll continue working with my coach," says Adilzhan Zhaudinov.
Bekali Erken, a student at the Shetsky District Youth Sports School from the village of Agadyr, won the bronze medal in the 73 kg weight class. He has been practicing judo for nine years, training under Ersayin Omarov. Erken is a multiple winner and runner-up in championships at various levels. This year, he took first place in the European Cadet Cup.
"The competition was held at a high level. Before the tournament, we attended a training camp in Tashkent. Then in Almaty, Shymkent, and Kyzylorda. Everything went great at all stages. At the World Championships, the time difference made adapting to the competition a challenge. I'll strive to go higher," the athlete shared.
Bekali Erken's coach, Yersaiyn Omarov, noted that the athlete gave 100%.
"I was confident he would win a medal. We only gave my opponent a slight advantage once because he was underweight. Bekali competed in the 73 kg weight class, and he weighs 69 kg. Now we plan to gain weight and train hard for the upcoming competition," the coach said.
Today, over 8,500 people practice judo in the region, and 91 coaches and instructors work with them. This martial art remains one of the most popular in the region.