Tajikistan has made a powerful statement at the 2025 Qingdao Judo Grand Prix, securing a coveted spot in the top 10 among 26 competing nations.
The 2025 Judo Grand Prix in Qingdao wrapped up with over 200 top-level athletes competing for coveted international ranking points and medals in one of the year’s most prestigious judo events, The Caspian Post reports via Tajik media.
Among the strong contenders, Tajikistan’s team stood out by securing 10th place overall, earning one silver, one bronze, and multiple near-podium finishes.
Obid Jebov Claims Silver in Men’s 66kg
Obid Jebov led Tajikistan’s charge by capturing the silver medal in the highly competitive 66 kg category. After receiving a first-round bye, Jebov defeated Kazakhstan’s Nurmuhammad Botaboy and overcame South Korea’s Jangyong Kim in the semifinals. In a gripping final, he faced Mongolia’s experienced judoka Baskhuu Yondonperenlei for the third time but narrowly missed gold, taking a hard-fought silver - marking a significant milestone in his international career.
Jahongir Majidov Earns Bronze in 100kg
In the 100 kg division, Jahongir Majidov put on an impressive performance, defeating South Korea’s Hansu Kim and Britain’s Max Gregory before falling to Hungary’s Zsombor Veg in the semifinals. Majidov bounced back to clinch bronze by defeating Poland’s Michal Jedrzejewski in the medal match.
Strong Performances Beyond the Podium
Masoud Ahmadzoda just missed a medal in the 73 kg class. After victories against the USA’s Steven Boldbatar and UAE’s Kazbek Naguchev, he lost in the semifinal to Uzbekistan’s Shahrom Akhadov and fell short in the bronze medal bout to Shamil Zulfikorov, competing under the IJF flag, finishing fifth overall.
Two other Tajik judokas placed seventh in their weight categories: Muhammadsaleh Quvvatov (60 kg), who won his opening bout against South Korea’s Hyesun Hwan before being eliminated by Japanese champions Kondo and Nakamura; and Somon Mahmadbekov (81 kg), who defeated China’s Sailike Songhaer but was later knocked out by Kazakhstan’s Adilet Almat and UAE’s Khojimurod Umarov in repechage rounds.
Several other team members, including Mehrzod Sufiyev (60 kg), Abubakr Sherov (73 kg), and women’s competitors Alexandra Kan (57 kg) and Viktoria Kiselyova (+78 kg), exited earlier but gained valuable experience on the international stage.
Ranking Points, Prize Money, and Olympic Qualification
Athletes earned essential International Judo Federation (IJF) ranking points critical for Olympic qualification and future tournament seedings: 300 points for gold, 180 for silver, and 120 for bronze. The event also awarded cash prizes of 3,000 euros for gold, 2,000 euros for silver, and 1,000 euros for bronze, with a portion typically distributed to coaches.
Japan Dominates; Tajikistan Impresses
Japan topped the medal standings with five golds and three bronzes, followed by Mongolia and France. Tajikistan’s 10th-place finish, with podium medals and multiple top-seven placements, marks a significant achievement in a highly competitive field, underscoring the nation’s rising profile in international judo.
