Marko Spittka found his challenge in Uzbekistan

German coach Marko Spittka is not a man who goes unnoticed. For thirteen years, the German was the coach of the Austrian team. He is a direct man, judo in its most explosive version. Last week he was in action at the Grand Slam in Ulaanbaatar coaching Diyora Keldiyorova to a gold medal. Spittka has an elaborate, calm and didactic speech. Since February, he has been the Sport Director of the Uzbek team.

Spittka has lived in Tashkent for a few months. The first problem, the only one, is the language barrier. “But I immediately understood that we speak the same language, the language of judo. The understanding is mutual.”

“I have an excellent relationship with the president of the federation, Azizjon Kamilov. He is an exceptional man,” explains Spittka. "He wanted me to help Ilias, to contribute my knowledge, but I had to consult with my family first."

The second thing he saw was passion. “Uzbeks love to fight; they have a warrior's heart and I like that."

Spittka's main task is to analyse and improve the system. “What surprised me the most was the absence of vanity, the scarcity of envy. Here everyone works with the common goal of winning. There are no fights or jealousy to see who sits in the coach's chair or who makes a decision. I provided solutions and then, all together, we decided to do one thing or another.”

In the urgent matters section, the German realised that the Uzbek team's problem was tactical. “These are things that can be worked on and that is what we are doing. I develop strategies and then we analyse the results.”

The men's team has always been powerful. Iliadis's contribution has been noted. The second step consists of strengthening the women's team. In Mongolia we have been able to verify the upward evolution of a country that is giving itself the means to grow and establish itself durably among the best.

“We had two contests, at U52kg and U57kg. They asked me to take care of Diyora Keldiyorova from the chair. Also, she speaks English.”

Keldiyorova won two bouts with ease and speed, so the team decided collectively to keep Spittka in the saddle. "You don't change a winning formula, it would be a mistake." Keldiyorova reached the final and won gold.

In October, Tashkent will host the world championships. Spittka: “They have no fear, no pressure. On the contrary, fighting at home is a motivation for them.”

And the forecasts?

"We will see, but two, maybe three medals; it will not be an utopia."