While Mongolian cadet athletes earned 2 bronze medals in Sarajevo at the World Judo Championships Cadets 2022, the sad news came. The judo family mourns the passing of Sensei Dambiinyam Maralgerel of Mongolia (1972-2022). Dambiinyam Maralgerel became the best judoka in the country in 1990, winning the cadet national championship 4 times and twice earning the junior title. Considered one of the most talented judoka at that time, he became the youngest athlete in the senior national team and then participated in the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992, when he was only 20 years old.
Sensei Dambiinyam Maralgerel (Centre)
After an active athlete career, Mr Maralgerel became a coach at the Avarga University, where he played a huge role in producing the best Mongolian judoka. He was also an IJF continental referee.
Later on he was a senior coach for the Malaysian national team and participated in many tournaments with good results. Totally dedicated to the sport, he opened his own dojo and worked for the development of judo throughout his life. He was one of the best coaches to work very closely with children.
The international judo family presents their deepest condolences to Dambiinyam Maralgerel's friends and relatives and to the entire Mongolian judo community.