Loyal Uzbek Mukhriddin Tilovov misses Olympic Games

The sport of judo has seen remarkable growth in Uzbekistan in recent years, with multiple athletes vying for Olympic qualification across various weight categories. This expansion is evident not only among the men but also in the women's team, under the expert guidance of coaches Ilias Iliadis and Marko Spittka. However, the intense competition has led to some athletes just missing out on a spot at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. One such judoka is Mukhriddin Tilovov.

In the men's categories, particularly U66kg and U73kg, the competition has been fierce. Mukhriddin Tilovov, born in the Kashqadarya region and now residing in Tashkent, has been a prominent figure in the U66kg category. Despite his strong performances, he faced tough competition from teammate Sardor Nurillaev. Nurillaev accumulated more points in the qualification period, securing the sole spot available for the weight category, leaving Tilovov on the sidelines.

Tilovov’s journey in judo has been marked by significant achievements and notable challenges. He made his mark early, competing at the World Championships in 2017, where he narrowly missed a bronze medal, losing to his teammate Diyorbek Urozboyev. His career boasts seven World Judo Tour medals between 2016 and 2023, including a gold medal at the 2016 Grand Prix in Tashkent and another gold at the 2023 Grand Prix in Portugal in the -66kg category.

Additionally, Tilovov has won two bronze medals at the Asian Championships (2017 in -60kg and 2022 in -66kg) and a silver medal at the World Military Games in Wuhan. His recent performance at the World Championships saw him face a tough loss against Italy's Matteo Piras, which significantly impacted his Olympic qualification chances.

Background

Tilovov’s dedication to judo began during his college years at the Samarkand Sport College and continued at the Sport University. He trains at the Tashkent Club under coach Nurali Kobulov and alongside Olympian Dilshod Baratov. His commitment to the sport is further exemplified by his passion for football, which he enjoys in his free time.

Nicknamed "Muxa," Tilovov finds inspiration in his mother and idolizes the legendary judoka Ilias Iliadis, whose achievements and resilience continue to motivate him. Despite the setback, Tilovov remains a loyal and dedicated athlete, committed to representing Uzbekistan on the international stage.

Although Mukhriddin Tilovov (29) will not be participating in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, his career in judo is far from over. He will remain loyal to his country. He can still learn from his hero Ilias Iliadis, and from his mother, the most influential person in his life.