IBSA Judo World Championships Astana Concludes at Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace

From May 13 to 15, the IBSA Judo World Championships Astana was held at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace, bringing together top para-judo athletes from around the world.

The final day of the tournament featured team events for both men and women, with medals awarded based on the results of the matches.

The women’s team of Kazakhstan competed in a round-robin format and emerged victorious, securing first place. Throughout the tournament, the Kazakh team claimed wins over Turkey, India, and, in a tense bout, Uzbekistan. Their only defeat came in the early stages of the competition in a close match against Brazil.

The men’s team of Kazakhstan also delivered an impressive performance, demonstrating resilience and a strong competitive spirit. Displaying determination until the final seconds, the athletes triumphed over Mongolia and Georgia, and in the final, they defeated the tournament favorite — the team from Brazil.

In the individual competition of the World Championships, Team Kazakhstan secured a total of 9 medals: 2 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze, placing fourth in the overall medal standings.

Kazakh medalists:

• Zhurkamyryza Shukurbekov – Gold (over 95 kg, J2 category)

• Beksultan Kulmyrza – Gold (81 kg, J2 category)

• Galymzhan Smagululy – Silver (81 kg, J2 category)

• Ayala Mereke – Silver (70 kg, J2 category)

• Yergali Shamei – Bronze (81 kg, J1 category)

• Dayana Fedosova – Bronze (60 kg, J2 category)

• Aynaz Kuralova – Bronze (46 kg, J1 category)

• Baglanbek Onalbek – Bronze (over 95 kg, J1 category)

• Yerlan Utepov – Bronze (over 95 kg, J1 category)

It is worth noting that over the course of three days, the tournament brought together more than 300 athletes from 38 countries.