If this first day was already placed under the sign of success, the second also proved to be of a very high level. Before the start of the final block, the public gave a bid round of applause to Dr Askhat Zhitkeyev. IJF Director General, Vlad Marinescu, offered a wonderful announcement to the spectators, “This is a very special moment before today’s final block. Judo is a combination of physical and mental preparation, both needed for success and both important in life and in sport.
This presentation is for a judoka with results in his sporting role, an Olympic medallist as well as a person who is teaching people around him the values, in every aspect of his life. It is about mutual prosperity and continuing to grow together.
It is my honour today, on behalf of IJF President Mr Marius Vizer to present to the General Secretary of the Kazakhstan Judo Federation Dr Askhat Zhitkeyev, the 7th dan, for being a role model, an idol and for his dedication to the development of judo in Kazakhstan and internationally.“
Dr Zhitkeyev accepted the award, “I am happy and proud to receive my 7th dan, especially her in front of our Kazakh team and spectators. I thank the IJF team under the leadership of Marius Vizer and also thank the people of Kazakhstan. I am grateful to all the judo family in Kazakhstan and around the world and of course my coaches through my life. I wish all future judoka a long and successful life in our sport.”
On this second day of competition, we saw some confirmation, such as that of Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov, who won two weeks ago in Dushanbe and repeated his feat here in Astana, just as Somon Makhmadbekov did in the -81kg category. We saw also some newcomers such as Jisu Kim (KOR) who showed great skills on the floor but who also demonstrated that she had an amazing tokui-waza (favourite technique) that she applied to almost everyone to win the gold.
Elisavet Teltsidou had two very short first contests, spending only 28 seconds on the tatami before having to battle a little more to reach a well deserved gold medal. We also saw an Australian team performing very well, putting two judoka on the podium today. We saw fire and passion, strength and technique, we simply saw judo.
On day three of the event, we'll see the last five categories in action. Be ready from 11:00am onward, local time, and follow the action at https://judotv.com/