Tajikistan’s national team has secured its first-ever gold medal at the 3rd CIS Games, currently taking place across several cities in Azerbaijan. The historic victory came on October 5, when 18-year-old boxer Behruz Umarov triumphed in the 50 kg weight category, earning the top podium spot for his country.
In a tense and hard-fought final bout, Umarov defeated Azizbek Shokirdjonov of Uzbekistan, demonstrating both resilience and determination. His gold marks a major milestone for Tajikistan at the Games.
Silver and bronze in the boxing ring
Tajikistan’s medal streak continued thanks to A'zamjon Khasanov (48 kg) and Akbarjon Abdulloev (57 kg), who both earned silver medals.
Khasanov advanced confidently through the tournament brackets but fell short in the final against host boxer Ali Aliyev. Abdulloev also reached the final, where he narrowly lost on points to Bobomurod Boymirzoyev of Uzbekistan, leaving a strong impression with his spirited performance.
Outside the boxing arena, Muhammad Rajabov won bronze in canoe sprint (200 m) — a particularly significant result, as Tajik athletes rarely reach the podium in aquatic sports. Observers say Rajabov’s success could help stimulate the development of canoeing in the country.
Following these results, Tajikistan’s total medal count at the Games stands at 17 medals — 1 gold, 3 silver, and 13 bronze.
Consistent success across martial arts
Earlier in the competition, Tajik athletes achieved several podium finishes in wrestling, judo, taekwondo, sambo, and boxing.
In Greco-Roman wrestling, Alirizo Bahromov earned bronze in the 80 kg category. After defeating Russia’s Issa Zangiev, he lost to Azerbaijan’s Ali Nagiyev and Uzbekistan’s Jamshid Yusufov, but came back strong in the third-place match to beat Arslan Azimberdiyev of Turkmenistan.
Tajik judokas also performed successfully, collecting three medals:
Yusuf Zamonov (50 kg) won silver,
Abubakr Khudoyev (55 kg) and Loik Kudbuddinov (60 kg) both took bronze.
Earlier in the Games, taekwondo WT fighters Abdujafari Bahodur (54 kg) and Nurullo Murodov (74 kg) were the first to bring medals for Tajikistan, both earning bronze.
Sambo wrestlers Nazarali Kholov (64 kg) and Yosin Khukumatov (71 kg) also added bronzes to the tally.
Among other medalists were boxers Damir Nazarov (46 kg), Umardjon Asrorov (66 kg), and Amir Nozimov (75 kg), as well as women’s boxer Furugh Sarhadzoda (60 kg), each taking bronze.
Freestyle wrestler Idris Bahromov rounded out the team’s achievements with third place in the 71 kg category.
Strong Showing for Tajikistan at the 3rd CIS Games
The CIS Games 2025 are being held from September 28 to October 8 across Ganja, Yevlakh, Gabala, Sheki, and Baku, bringing together 1,605 athletes from 10 countries. The Tajik delegation includes 142 competitors.
This marks Tajikistan’s third appearance at the CIS Games.
In Kazan (2021), Tajik athletes earned 14 medals, finishing 7th overall; in Minsk (2023), they claimed 13 medals and placed 8th among 22 participating nations.
