As you may have noticed already, I take special pleasure in highlighting the best that Uzbekistan has to offer the world. After living and working there for so many years, I gained an appreciation of the talents that Uzbeks have in academics, athletics, science, and the arts.

Another example I’d like to present to you is their world-class talent in judo. Ramziddin Sayidov has been one of the best judo competitors that Uzbekistan has had for years. However, there is a long line of solid competitors that stand behind him waiting for their turn at the top. At the conclusion of the International Judo Federation’s (IJF) Grand Prix in Tashkent this past weekend, a surprise winner rose in the 100 kg class when Soyib Kurbanov defeated Mr. Sayidov. The atmosphere in the arena was electric as the two battled for the home crowd. As the match approached its conclusion, it appeared that neither combatant had the upper hand. With 23 seconds left in the match, Mr. Kurbanov launched his winning counter-attack.

While the Uzbek women fared well in the tournament, these Uzbek men took gold medals in the following weight categories:

•              Sharafuddin Lutfillaev; 60 kg
•              Mirzahid Farmonov; 66 kg
•              Mirali Sharipov; 73 kg
•              Sherali Juraev; 90 kg
•              Soyib Kurbanov; 100 kg

Over 150 competitors (men and women) from 20 countries were represented at the Grand Prix, including Brazil, United States, Israel, Japan, and Ukraine. Congratulations to all the men and women who participated in this great event!

Posted by Greg Stephenson