Baruch Shmailov makes remarkable comeback in tashkent

Israeli judoka Baruch Shmailov has made a remarkable comeback, reaching the final of an IJF World Tour event after undergoing meniscus surgery last year. The IJF Masters winner in 2022 faced setbacks at the Judo World Championships in Doha but has since showed he still counts.

Throughout his career, Shmailov has amassed an impressive record, winning 15 World Cup medals on the IJF World Tour and achieving success in all medal categories at the IJF Masters. Despite his ranking currently at 37th, Shmailov has been a consistent performer, holding a spot in the world top 10 since 2017, reaching a high of third in 2019, 2022, and earlier this year.

Shmailov's comeback is not without challenges, as he faces stiff competition from his Israeli counterpart, Tal Flicker, who currently holds the 24th ranking and leads the race with 800 points. However, Shmailov's performance in the final of the Tashkent event could significantly impact his Olympic qualification prospects.

In the final, Shmailov will face off against Tajik talent and World Junior Champion Nurali Emomali, who won last year's tournament. The encounter will be a test of skill and determination, with Shmailov aiming to secure victory and earn crucial points for his Olympic qualification bid.

Despite the age difference of nine years between Shmailov and Emomali, the final promises to be a thrilling showdown between two talented judoka who have never met before. Shmailov's victory over number one seed Willian Lima in the semifinal demonstrates his readiness to compete at the highest level.

Regardless of the outcome of the final, Shmailov's comeback has been commendable, showcasing his resilience and determination to overcome adversity. With his eyes set on Olympic qualification, Shmailov's performance in Tashkent could be a decisive moment in his journey towards the Paris Games.