Golden Shukurjon Aminova lits Dushanbe

The U57kg final of the Grand Prix in Dushanbe was between Shukurjon Aminova (UZB) and Thauany David Capanni Dias (ITA). Since her participation in the World Junior Championships - Guayaquil 2022, Aminova has been involved in a large number of continental and international events, but she has never managed to slip into a final block, until Friday in Dushanbe's judo venue.

For the young Uzbek, perseverance is paying off, offering a very good example to all athletes who dream of reaching these heights. To do this, you have to go through the filter of learning from failure to build a present and a bright future.

Opposite her, Thauany David Capanni Dias was even younger, since at 19 the Italian is still competing as a junior. First in Poznan and Lignano in the European Junior Cups, she offered herself a first grand prix final, after finishing on the third step of the podium in January in Portugal.

It was a very balanced contest, where neither of the finalists could really make the difference and create scoring opportunities. When things are going that way, what is important is to be able to focus on the tactical dimension and in this aspect it was Shukurjon Aminova who performed better than Capanni Dias. The Italian judoka was penalised a third time, in golden score. The gold medal went to Shukurjon Aminova. And she let a tear come down but that was a tear of joy.

Italy placed a second athlete in the final block with Veronica Toniolo (ITA), qualified against Lele Nairne (GBR) for the chance of a bronze medal. Veronica Toniolo won her first medal in a grand prix after Lele Nairne was penalised a third time in golden score.

Altantsetseg Batsukh (UAE) and Qi Cai (CHN) complete the final block of the day. It was precise and clear, after 1 minute and 25 seconds, Qi Cai applied an armlock to Batsukh for ippon and a bronze medal that goes home with her to China.