Photo: Russian Judo Federation
Circassian (Adyghe) judoist Abrek Naguchev from the Tuapse region in the Circassian homeland won a stage of the world series - the Grand Slam in Tbilisi - Georgia, winning a gold medal in the weight category up to 66 kg. This is the athlete's first award at a tournament of this level. This was reported on the official website of the Russian Judo Federation.
In his fights, Abrek Naguchev won against Guy Gutman (Israel), Charlie Young (Great Britain), Benche Pongracs (Hungary) and Rashad Elkiyev (Azerbaijan). The athlete finished three of the four fights with clean victories.
In the final, Abrek Naguchev met Georgian judoka Temur Nozadze, a two-time winner of the Grand Slam in Tbilisi (2021, 2022). Naguchev earned his first "waza-ari" thanks to the "kouchi-gari" technique. He subsequently put his opponent on his back twice more. Only the fourth throw brought Naguchev a clear victory and a gold medal.
- I knew that the whole hall would be rooting for Temur Nozadze. However, I came to Georgia only for gold. Despite the judges' decisions, I continued to fight, throwing again and again. This award is my first in the World Series, - Abrek Naguchev said after the victory.
The athlete noted that he carefully prepared for the final with his father and coaches, studying the opponent's style. Naguchev's mentors are Dzhanbolet Naguchev, Murat Shadov and Hasanbi Taov.
— That day, my whole family was rooting for me from the stands, but it didn’t add any extra excitement. On the contrary, it was easier: I hadn’t even had time to leave the tatami, and they were already nearby and telling me everything that was happening with potential opponents. Thanks to the coaches and loved ones. If it weren’t for them, I would definitely have been left without a gold medal, — Naguchev said.
The judoka noted that the more often you perform on the world tatami, the stronger your opponents become. Abrek emphasized that he is ready to perform at a high level, including participation in the world and European championships, but the final decision always remains with the coaching staff of the national team.
Source: Sovet Adygea
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