Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF) and its affiliated units celebrated World Judo Day across Pakistan on October 28th, commemorating the birthday of Jigoro Kano Shihan, the founder of judo, with the International Judo Federation's theme of "Wellbeing." This year, World Judo Day emphasizes "wellbeing," a holistic concept that extends beyond the tatami to every aspect of life. Judo, as a practice, promotes physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing, enhancing our quality of life. For over thirteen years, the PJF has been organizing World Judo Day to celebrate judo and the values it instills in society.The PJF held the 17th Men’s and 10th Women’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inter-District Judo Championship at the Lala Rafique Sports Arena under the auspices of the District Government and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Judo Association. Matiullah Khan, Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs KP, was the chief guest, accompanied by Pir Abdullah Shah, Additional Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs KP, and Saleem Raza, Director of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate. International athletes Malaika Noor and Mohammad Abbas also attended.Malaika recently became the first Junior female athlete from Pakistan to compete in an IJF event, while Mohammad Abbas showcased an impressive performance at the Asian Cadet & Junior Championship in Korea. PJF Secretary General Masood Ahmad, officials, and players joined the celebrations on October 28, embracing the theme of “Wellbeing.”In the Inter-District Championship, various districts from KP participated, including Lakki Marwat, Kohat, Swat, Abbottabad, Mardan, and Peshawar. Abbottabad claimed the women’s title with 85 points, followed by Lakki Marwat with 60 points. In the men’s category, Khyber District took first place with 93 points, while Peshawar finished second with 87 points.In Islamabad, the Islamabad Judo Association (IJA) celebrated by organizing an event with school students, who participated in cake cutting and received certificates. South Asian Gold Medalist Hamid Ali also joined the festivities.Following PJF’s instructions, the Sindh Judo Association held a World Judo Day event at the Gymnasium Hall in Karachi Coaching Center. Sindh Judo Association Secretary Mohammad Rafique and their judokas participated enthusiastically. Also in Sakhar were celebrated WJD along with Female Judoka (a district of Sindh).The Punjab Judo Association organized celebrations in Gujranwala District, with a large number of male and female judokas taking part. Secretary Punjab Judo Association Qamer Shakeel joined the students in cake cutting.World Judo Day was celebrated nationwide in a befitting manner, with the Pak-Army National Champion and Pak-WAPDA Runner-up teams also marking the occasion with a cake-cutting ceremony. Numerous male and female judokas across the country actively participated, learning about the history of judo and embracing its values.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: A four-member Pakistan judo team, in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board, will depart for Kazan, Russia, on Monday to participate in the ongoing BRICS Games 2024.The prestigious sports event will feature three days of judo contests, commencing on Thursday in Kazan, Russia.Colonel Junaid Alam, President of the Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF), has instructed the national judokas to compete with their full potential. He expressed optimism that the judokas would deliver outstanding performances at this mega event.The Pakistan judo team comprised Hamid Ali (South Asian Games Gold Medalist), Sabir Shah (National Games Gold Medalist), Mueen Aslam (National Games Gold), and Afzal Bashir (Coach). 

Sports Bulletin ReportDushanbe (Tajikistan):-The Grand Prix Judo Championship Dushanbe 2023 has concluded, as the martial-art players enjoyed the game in Dushanbe during entertaining and wonderful competitions.Komronshokh Ustopiriyon vs Eldar AllakhverdievOpposite him to compete for gold, was Eldar Allakhverdiev (AIN). The first shido was given to Allakhverdiev for a false attack. Every single move of Ustopiriyon would initiate hoorahs from the audience, who came in even bigger numbers than on day two of the event. The second penalty was awarded to the local judoka. It is always amazing to see how a contest can go by so fast when you have such an atmosphere in the venue. There were already only 37 seconds left and one shido apiece and then golden score; it all seemed to come at a pace. After 33 seconds, the second penalty was given to Allakhverdiev.Ustopiriyon then had to escape, using his acrobatic skills, from a very dangerous situation. In doing so, he touched the leg of his opponent, receiving a second penalty. During the next exchange, Eldar Allakhverdiev dropped to his knees, while Komronshokh Ustopiriyon remained standing, tachi-waza was still totally valid. The Tajik judoka didn't let the opportunity vanish and launched an uchi-mata for waza-ari, immediately followed by a noisy ovation from the public. It was a third gold for Tajikistan.Final Results (-90 kg)1. USTOPIRIYON Komronshokh (TJK)2. ALLAKHVERDIEV Eldar (AIN)3. KLAMMERT David (CZE)3. HAJIYEV Eljan (AZE)5. GRIGORIAN Aram (UAE)5. MAMATRAKHIMOV Jakhongir (UZB)7. MADZHIDOV Dzhakhongir (TJK)7. MATIJASS Martin (GER)

Abdul Jabbar FaisalPhoto By: Ashan ShahzadISLAMABAD:-Austria's Judo Olympian athlete Sabrina Filzmoeser announced her journey for the K-2 expedition on a bicycle from the capital city of Islamabad on June 4, 2023, to K2 Base camp through Skardu before climbing K2.While addressing a media press conference here at a local hotel flanked by the president of Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF) Junaid Alam and Austrian Consul Christine Segal she disclosed that she would ride on a bicycle from Islamabad to K2 Base camp through Skardu before climbing K2, as she would start her journey on June 4 from Islamabad.Sabrina Filzmoeser said that she was very happy to visit Pakistan. “Pakistan is a beautiful country where there is immense talent in Judo, I am very pleased to start the journey for K-2. She will start her journey from Islamabad to K-2 tomorrow.” Today she rode the cycle from Rawal Lake to Faisal Masjid to launch her quest.She further said that Judo was an attractive sport in Pakistan. “However, there is a need to promote the sport of judo all over the country, I will support the women athletes related to judo in Pakistan in every possible way, it is a dream to go to the backward areas of Pakistan and look for judo players, “she said.Olympics gold medalist, Sabrina Falzmoser said, “Tourism is not an easy hobby, many injuries are faced, and the Judo game teaches a person to live a disciplined life, I want to teach judo to children during my trip. I came to Pakistan for the first time. Yes, I have been hearing about the Karakoram here since childhood, I felt very good coming to Pakistan, these moments are memorable for me. I hope my trip will be a memorable one, I hope to complete my two missions by the end of July. International Judo Federation and Pakistan Judo Federation are supporting me fully, “she maintained.It is pertinent to mention that she conquered Mount Everest in 2022 in a similar style, she rode a bicycle in India, and Nepal from the seashore to Everest base camp to climb the highest peak of the world, and was carrying the International Judo Federation (IJF) project symbol "JUDO FOR PEACE". On her way, she met various Judo Clubs and also established a new Judo Club near the base camp of Mount Everest in Nepal with the support of IJF.During his Pakistan visit, she will visit local judo clubs on the way to her destination for the promotion of judo. On her return, she consented to impart training to judokas at Islamabad. It would be the first time that a Judo personality of this stature will be visiting Pakistan to give tips to male and female judo athletes. 

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD:-Sabrina Filzmoser, a four times Olympian martial art athlete, who is also Chairperson of the World Judo Athletes Commission, and Climate Ambassador International Judo Federation (IJF) will visit Pakistan for a K2 expedition under the Judo for Peace program.According to an official of the Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF), she will arrive in the capital city Islamabad on Friday (Jun 2, 2023), and will ride on a bicycle from Islamabad to K2 Base camp through Skardu before climbing K2, as she will start her journey on June 4 from Islamabad.It is pertinent to mention that she conquered Mount Everest in 2022 in a similar style, she rode a bicycle in India, and Nepal from the seashore to Everest base camp to climb the highest peak of the world, and was carrying the International Judo Federation (IJF) project symbol "JUDO FOR PEACE". On her way, she met various Judo Clubs and also established a new Judo Club near the base camp of Mount Everest in Nepal with the support of IJF.During his Pakistan visit, she will visit local judo clubs on the way to her destination for the promotion of judo. On her return, she consented to impart training to judokas at Islamabad. It would be the first time that a Judo personality of this stature will be visiting Pakistan to give tips to male and female judo athletes. She will brief to media about her expedition at a local hotel on June 3, 2023.

Sports Bulletin ReportLinz (Austria):-Japan players won three top positions in the 3-day Upper Austria Grand Prix 2023 that concluded here on Saturday, as the 5 five categories in play: -90kg, -78kg, -100kg, +78kg and +100kg were held on last day. The five gold medals were therefore distributed to Hungary, Brazil, Germany, Czechia, and Japan.In the end, Japan tops the medal rankings, followed by Germany who had a third fantastic day and France. In total, 23 countries were on the podium and 34 have at least one athlete in the top 7.Final Results (+100 kg)1. KRPALEK Lukas (CZE)2. KONE Losseni (GER)3. MARINIC Enej (SLO)3. SNIPPE Jelle (NED)5. SIPOCZ Richard (HUN)5. TATAROGLU Ibrahim (TUR)7. FIZEL Marius (SVK)7. SZCZUROWSKI Kacper (POL)Final Results (+78kg):1. TAKAHASHI Ruri (JPN)2. TAVANO Asya (ITA)3. STEVENSON Karen (NED)3. SANTOS Giovanna (BRA)5. LUCHT Renee (GER)5. CERIC Larisa (BIH)7. BULAVINA Ruslana (UKR)7. HOELLWART Maria (AUT)

Sports Bulletin ReportPESHAWAR: President, Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF), Junaid Alam has been elected as the vice President of Judo Union of Asia (JUA) and Member Executive committee during JUA congress held in Kuwait on 26 Apri 2023.According to an official of PJF, Masood Ahmad re-elected as the member of JUA Education Coaching and Kata Commission. Obaid Al Anzi from Kuwait re-elected as President, Mukesh Kumar from India and Amal H.Abu .Shallak from United Arabs Emirates (UAE)  elected as General Secretary and Treasurer respectively.These elections were held in Kuwait at same place where South Asian Regional Elections were held a day prior and Junaid was elected as President of South Asian Zone.These elections were supervised by Marius Vizer, President International Judo Federation (IJF) from Hungary, Yasuhiro Yamashita Head of Japan Olympic Committee and host of Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Head of European Judo Federation.President IJF as well as Obaid Al Anzi congratulated Junaid Alam and welcomed him on board at this elite forum of Executive Committee where world Judo giants are present. He is the only new entry at Asian vice presidential level in this term of 2023-2027.Later his excellency Malik Mohammad Farooq, Ambassador of Pakitan to Kuwait invited Junaid Alam at Pakistan Embassy and again congratulated him on his successful achievements in a row.Junaid Alam said:“It is a great honour but I take it as a big responsibility indeed. Yes this is an ideal time for Pakistan to give priority to this Olympic sport which offers highest numbers of medals of one type at stake.My current appointments from a club level to International level including IJF Military and Police commission, it will be injustice if my country is not benifitted.”"I strongly believe that this opportunity would be optimamly utilized once my own country's Judokas are the first beneficieries . But unfortunately the only impediment left in the way to victory is petty politics between various stakeholders of our country, which is infact basic reason of downfall of National sports".

Sports Bulletin Report Tbilisi (Georgia): At the beginning of day 3 only Serbia, Mongolia or perhaps Germany or Uzbekistan looked capable of topping the leaderboard in a leapfrog-like takeover gazumping the hosts, but actually with a glance over the draw sheets it was pretty clear that Georgia had the delegation title sewn up. Their men were particularly strong at the back end of the tournament and the crowd increased their volume to match the size of the medal tally. We could talk ad infinitum about the energy of the Georgian men and their insatiable desire to fight to the bitter end. It’s always impressive, always entertaining and always produces drama, outstanding photos and an unrivalled atmosphere. Although Georgian National Day is held on 26th May annually, there was already a celebratory flavour in town today, thanks to the performances of local athletes who, delighted the spectators who had amassed in the Olympic Sport Palace. Georgia didn’t take all the medals though and some notable performances really stood out, particularly that of Anna-Maria Wagner. A return to grand slam gold for her after quite a lay-off shows how hard she has worked to regain a level that at one point dominated the -78kg category. She was clearly emotional and perhaps deserved to be as she made not one single mistake, looking every inch the champion as she stood above the recently unbeaten Italian.

Sports Bulletin Report ALMADA: With the 2nd day of Grand Prix Portugal 2023 now at an end, it’s time to take stock of another exciting day of competition. Here are some of the bigger stories that inspired us from today’s events. Nomonov Stakes his Claim for an Olympic Spot Uzbekistan has a good problem at -73kg, with multiple athletes currently making waves on the world circuit and looking to secure a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Two were present in Almada and with the early exit of Shakhram Akhadov at the hands of eventual bronze medallist Aranda Olalla of Spain, plus the absence of world number 6 Murodjon Yuldoshev, there was a chance for Obidkhon Nomonov to make a claim for that prize. He seized it with both hands, taking his first grand prix gold medal and it was not easy. Semif-inal Nomonov (UZB) vs Kang (KOR) His round 1 and 2 matches against Chikhelidze of Georgia and junior world champion Tanaka of Japan saw golden scores lasting more than 6 minutes, with Nomonov coming from behind against Tanaka to take the win with a huge driving ko-soto-gake. The Uzbek had to claw back the fight once again when he met Kang (KOR) in the semi-final, flattening his opponent with a beautiful uchi-mata to ko-uchi-gari combination, with only 3 seconds left on the clock. Another big throw in the form of a harai-makikomi against Smagulov (KAZ) in the dying seconds of the final secured the top spot, keeping Nomonov well in the running for that coveted Olympic place. Coughlan Wins Maiden Grand Prix Title Aoife Coughlan (AUS) gave a workmanlike performance in the -70kg category to take home her first grand prix gold medal and only the second ever for her country. Highlights included two wins using a strong turnover into kata-gatame, first on Sook (DEN) in round 1 and then on Eriksson (SWE) in the semi-final. She also used a nice ko-uchi-makikomi against Gercsak (HUN) in the quarter-final, who herself was on good form, throwing strongly in the early rounds but lacking stamina as the day went on. A tactical victory over top seed Rodriguez rounded out Coughlan’s performance, as she continues to build good momentum towards Paris. Latisev Spoils Muki’s Return to Form With Brilliant Bronze Sagi Muki has been in the doldrums recently. The high of an Olympic team medal aside, where he dispatched -90kg technician Igolnikov to help his native Israel take bronze, Muki hasn’t stood on a world tour podium for over 2 years, the last time being at the 2021 Masters in Doha. He seemed to have been lacking in confidence somewhat and has struggled recently against both the younger up-and-coming fighters and his long-time rivals. It was therefore great to see a hint of the form that made a world champion in the -81kg category. Despite going behind in all of his matches, he didn’t panic and managed to come back and win 3 out of 5 contests, including a couple of massive dropping ippon-seoi-nage. Despite this, he had to settle for 5th place, as 19-year-old Mihail Latisev (MDA) came to spoil the party. Latisev has a mean seoi-nage of his own, putting it to good use in the early rounds against Aregba (FRA) and Fernando (POR), before flooring the explosive Frank de Wit (NED) with a massive ura-nage and quite possibly chalking up the throw of the day. Latisev made light work of Muki, scoring two waza-ari in 45 seconds to win the bronze. We look forward to seeing what he can do next. Moraes Makes her First Mark at Senior Level Gabriella Moraes (BRA), ranked a distant 105 in the world, stormed through to the final of the -63kg category, to achieve her first major result at senior level and indeed her first medal on the World Judo Tour. The former cadet world silver medallist notched up 4 excellent wins, including a sage tactical victory against top seed Barrios (VEN) in the semi-final. After a tough first match against the similarly-ranked Novitski (ISR) in which she won with o-uchi-gari in golden score, she powered her way past the higher-ranked Zachova (CZE), Padilla Guerrero (ESP) and finally Barrios, scoring multiple times with a well-executed hikikomi-gaeshi. Against home hero Timo (POR) in the final, two careless attacks against her opponent’s arm cost her the fight but the Brazilian will be delighted with the result and will surely hope that this silver medal is the start of something big. -63kg: A Job Well Done for Timo and for Portugal Venezuela is not a small judo country anymore. For many years, they have been progressing and improving, reaching more and more final blocks of international competitions. That's why there is no surprise in having Anriquelis Barrios as the top seed of the category. We know that being in that position offers an advantage, but an advantage that is the consequence of regular good results. It also brings extra pressure and a sense of responsibility. -73kg: The Best Defence Is to Attack for Nomonov It was a true marathon if you wished to reach the final of the category as there were almost 60 athletes engaged. The best runners of the day were Zhansay Smagulov (KAZ) and Obidkhon Nomonov (UZB), who reached the final and competed for gold. With the early elimination of top seed, Sharkhram Akhadov (UZB), the draw table was quite open and offered chances to other athletes to shine. -70kg: Aoife Coughlan Upsets the Odds Despite Anriquelis Barrios not reaching the final in the lower weight division, her Venezuelan teammate Elvismar Rodriguez did succeed, to face Aoife Coughlan (AUS) for the gold medal. Rodriguez has been the leader of her team for quite a while. Looking at her prize list gives a good idea of it, since she already has nine grand prix medals to her name, nine grand slam medals and seven medals at the continental championships in Pan-America; quite something! But Rodriguez is still looking for the consecration at the world championships, Masters and of course Olympic Games. This new medal, whatever the colour will be a new step towards that goal. -81kg: Lee Is Back Of the tournament's eight seeds, only Achraf Moutii (MAR) failed to make it to the quarter-finals. We can therefore say without hesitation that the world rankings had a real impact on the course of the competition. Apart from Moutii and to the benefit of Zaur Dvalashvili (GEO), all top seeded competitors managed to make their way through the preliminary rounds to enter the quarter-finals, leaving no chance for the underdogs to find a place under the Portuguese sun.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-If there are top seeds in the cadets, as is the case with the juniors and seniors, it is also no less true that things are more open in this age category because each competitor, as strong as she is, is still perfectible. It is therefore not so surprising that it was two competitors who were not among the top seeds who qualified for the final of the first category of the 2022 edition of the World Cadet Championships: Anastasiia Superson (UKR) and Begumnaz Dogruyol (TUR). Turkish women, particularly successful two weeks ago in Ecuador, on the occasion of the Junior World Championships, again present among the best in Sarajevo. The coming years promise to be golden for Türkiye. Anastasiia Superson (UKR) vs Begumnaz Dogruyol (TUR) The least we can say is that both competitors jumped to action immediately, looking for strong movement, a score or the transition to ne-waza. At this little game, Superson was a more precise, literally hunting for a good ne-waza sequence, probably inspired by her compatriot, double world champion and Olympic medallist, Daria Bilodid. In the first match for a bronze medal, Laziza Haydarova (UZB), the number 1 seed, and Tatricia Tomankova (SVK) faced each other. After four minutes and a virgin scoreline with nothing on the board but a penalty, Haydarova and Tomankova entered the golden score period to decide the winner. Laziza Haydarova (UZB) vs Tatricia Tomankova (SVK) With one more shido to her name, Tomankova was in danger, but everything was still possible and the Slovak judoka scored a waza-ari with an opportunist’s counterattack. The bronze medal went to Tatricia Tomankova. Zilan Ertem (TUR) vs Nina Auer (AUT) In the second match for a bronze medal, we found on the tatami, the other Turkish competitor Zilan Ertem (TUR) against Nina Auer (AUT). Therefore, the top 4 seeds of the group were all fighting for bronze medals, a noteworthy statistic. First to action, Ertem scored a waza-ari with a yoko-otoshi. It did not take a lot more time for Ertem to add one more waza-ari from a low tai-otoshi and a clear win in less than one minute. Final (-40 kg) SUPERSON Anastasiia (UKR) vs DOGRUYOL Begumnaz (TUR) Bronze Medal Fights (-40 kg) HAYDAROVA Laziza (UZB) vs TOMANKOVA Patricia (SVK) ERTEM Zilan (TUR) vs AUER Nina (AUT) Final Results (-40 kg) 1. SUPERSON Anastasiia (UKR) 2. DOGRUYOL Begumnaz (TUR) 3. TOMANKOVA Patricia (SVK) 3. ERTEM Zilan (TUR) 5. HAYDAROVA Laziza (UZB) 5. AUER Nina (AUT) 7. PROLIC Natalija (SRB) 7. YULDASHBEKOVA Sabina (KAZ)