Caramnob Sagaipov ace for Lebanon at Paris 2024 Olympics

Lebanese judoka Caramnob Sagaipov has secured his spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games following a remarkable performance at the recent World Championships in Abu Dhabi. Sagaipov’s fifth-place finish in the -90kg category has earned him the opportunity to represent Lebanon on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

Sagaipov's journey to Olympic qualification has been marked by significant milestones. His performance at the 2024 World Championships was a standout, as he finished fifth, the best result ever for Lebanon at a World Championships. Despite narrowly missing out on a bronze medal after a tough match against Mosakhlishvili of Spain, his overall performance was enough to secure his qualification for the Paris Olympics.

His achievements in recent competitions, including a bronze medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and a fifth-place finish at the 2024 Asian Championships in Hong Kong, underscored his potential and helped pave his way to the Olympics. His gold medal at the 2022 Asian Open Zouk Mikhael further demonstrated his prowess in the -90kg category.

Country switch

Since switching his allegiance from Russia to Lebanon in 2022, Sagaipov has made significant strides on the international judo scene. His switch allowed him to pursue new opportunities and showcase his talents on a broader stage. Notable among his achievements are his victories at the Asian Open events and his consistent performance at continental and world championships.

Born in Grozny, Russia, Sagaipov began practicing judo at the age of nine in Chiri-Yurt. Initially representing Russia, he competed for their national team at the cadet and junior levels. After a challenging senior championship in Russia, he decided to switch his representation to Lebanon, guided by his coach François. Sagaipov now trains at Judo Club Edelweiss in Grozny, with personal trainer Ibragim Abdulkadirov, maintaining strong ties to his Chechen roots while proudly representing Lebanon. His Lebanese coach, François Saade Jr, helped me make the transition and then he started to compete for Lebanon internationally. He is representing Lebanon but living and training at Judo Club Edelweiss in Grozny, Chechnya.

Sagaipov is married with two daughters and hails from a supportive family. His father, Aslanbek, and mother, Madina, have been instrumental in his journey. He speaks both Chechen and Russian, and enjoys riding horses and traveling in his leisure time.

Historic dream

Sagaipov’s qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics is a dream come true. His dedication to the sport and his resilience have paid off, and he is now focused on preparing for the Games. The Lebanese judo community eagerly anticipates his participation and hopes to see him achieve great success in Paris.

Caramnob Sagaipov’s qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is a significant achievement for both him and Lebanon. His journey from Grozny to the Olympic stage is a testament to his hard work and passion for judo. As he prepares for the Olympics, the support and encouragement from his family, coaches, and the Lebanese judo community will undoubtedly drive him towards excellence.