The Tajik national judo team has announced the squad for the 2025 World Cup, which will be held from June 13 to June 20 in Budapest.
The country will be represented by an exclusively men's team at the largest tournament of the year. Nine of the best judoka of the republic, ready to compete for medals and ranking points in the Olympic season, will go to the Hungarian capital, IJF reports.
Who will go to defend the honor of the country?
In the 60 kg weight category, Tajikistan will be represented by Mehrzod Sufiev, one of the most promising young judoka in the country. He consistently performs on international arenas and is ready to take a step forward on a global level.
The 66 kg category will be represented by two participants: Nurali Emomali and Obid Dzhebov. Emomali took 5th place at the World Championships last year, and Jebov continues to improve, demonstrating excellent technique.
The weight of 73 kg is also a double representation: Behrouzi Khojazoda and Abubakr Sherov. Hodjazoda's experience combined with Sherov's drive can bring unexpected results, especially considering their recent Grand Slam performances.
The main hope of the team is Somon Makhmadbekov (81 kg). He already has a bronze medal at the 2024 World Cup, as well as the title of world junior champion. Makhmadbekov is consistently among the strongest in his weight class and is ready to compete for a medal.
Jahongir Majidov and Karomatullo Khakimov are announced in the 100 kg category – both have excellent physical characteristics and are dangerous in grappling.
Temur Rakhimov (over 100 kg) completes the list – the bronze medalist of the 2021 World Championship, one of the leaders not only of the national team, but also of the entire Asian heavyweight school.
Budapest: a challenge and a chance
493 participants from 85 countries have been announced for the 2025 World Cup. The competition is expected to be extremely high, because the tournament directly affects the Olympic ranking. For the Tajik national team, this is not only an opportunity to score points, but also to show that the country is ready to fight on equal terms with the leaders of world judo.
Let us remind you that Tajikistan was also represented by 9 judoka at the Abu Dhabi World Cup last year and won one bronze medal. Somon Makhmadbekov (81 kg) became its owner, and Nurali Emomali (66 kg) became the fifth.
In Hungary, the team hopes to repeat, and possibly surpass, that result. The team is strong, experienced and ambitious. Now it's up to the tatami.
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