A 19-year-old judoka Muhiddin Asadulloev won the gold medal at the World Judo Junior Championships in the -73 kg category, defeating Japan's Ryusei Arakawa in the final. The championship was held in Lima, Peru, from October 5-7, 2025. Asadulloev’s triumph is not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment for Tajik judo. He becomes just the second Tajik athlete in history to win a junior world title, following in the footsteps of Somon Mahmadbekov.
The International Judoka Federation (IJF) notes that the -73 kg final block promised a thrilling conclusion to one of the day’s most dynamic categories. “Tajikistan’s Muhiddin Asadulloev, who stunned world number one Keito Kihara (JPN) in the semi-final, earned his place in the gold medal contest against Ryusei Arakawa (JPN), ensuring that Japan still had a strong chance to claim the top of the podium,” IJF says.
Muhiddin Asadulloev vs Ryusei Arakawa
In the final, it was reportedly clear from the first grip that both judoka were ready to take risks and push the pace.
The opening exchanges were fought at an electrifying rhythm that barely slowed throughout the contest. Arakawa seemed to gain a slight advantage midway through, controlling the kumi-kata and tempo but Asadulloev’s determination and timing made the difference. With less than a minute remaining, the Tajik judoka reportedly executed a perfectly timed counter for yuko, enough to secure the gold medal, an amazing victory for Tajikistan, IJF noted.
Tajikistan’s team in Lima
This year’s junior world championships featured 483 athletes — 254 men and 232 women — from 68 countries. Representing Tajikistan were four judokas: Ikrom Shamsov (-60 kg), Yosin Bobokalonov (-66 kg), Ehson Safarzoda (-66 kg), and Muhiddin Asadulloev (-73 kg).
Among them, Asadulloev emerged as the standout performer, reaching the top of the podium. While the other Tajik athletes exited in the early rounds, they delivered commendable performances.
Shamsov won his opening bout against a competitor from Botswana before losing to France’s Zacharie Dijol. Bobokalonov advanced past a Moldovan opponent but fell to Uzbekistan’s Dilshodbek Khamroev. Safarzoda was eliminated in the first round by Kazakhstan’s Abdirakhmon Kaiyrkhan.
Asadulloev’s gold builds on his prior success — he claimed bronze at the 2024 Junior World Championships held in Dushanbe. His ascent to the top a year later underscores the rising standard of Tajik judo on the global stage.
With this latest achievement, Asadulloev joins Mahmadbekov in the elite club of Tajik junior world champions, signaling a bright future for the nation's judokas.
