“Battle for Moscow”. How the future stars of world judo are raised

A grand sporting celebration has concluded in the capital – the youth team judo tournament “Battle for Moscow”. The event, held at the International Sambo Centre, brought together the best athletes under 18 and was dedicated to the historic victory of the Red Army in the Battle for Moscow, which began on 30 September 1941.

The success of the tournament clearly demonstrated the growing popularity of youth sports in the country. Thanks to the partners of the Russian Judo Federation – the charitable programme “DobroFON” and the “Kolыbel Otechestva” foundation – the prize fund of the competition reached an impressive 42 million roubles. The incredible atmosphere was enhanced by the packed stands: the support of the fans charged the athletes with emotions and added spectacle both in the arena and for those watching on screens.

Four of the strongest teams made it to the final stage: “Akademiya Pobediteley” (Dolgoprudny), the Moscow region club “Fryazino”, UOR “Moskva”, and the capital’s “Dynamo”. The intensity of the battles was fuelled by the presence of world judo stars: world champion Iago Abuladze, who supported the pupils of his school, and Olympic medallist Tamerlan Bashaev, who took on the role of commentator. A distinctive feature of the tournament was its innovative format: the bout continued until one side scored 13 points, forcing the young athletes to fight without compromise until the very end.

“A very interesting and unusual format,” admitted Iago Abuladze. “The FDR is always looking for new approaches to holding competitions, experimenting, moving towards something more modern and engaging.”

It is also worth noting the patriotic focus of the tournaments: we love our country, represent Russia on international arenas, and defend its honour. And it is wonderful that this feeling is nurtured from youth.

The final bouts unfolded like a Hollywood blockbuster. The incredible comeback of the “Fryazino” team, which, trailing by 4 points, not only equalised the score but also snatched victory with a spectacular ippon throw, literally set the stands ablaze. However, in the decisive Moscow region derby with the “Akademiya Pobediteley”, Abuladze’s teammates no longer had the strength – 13:7, and the main trophy went to Dolgoprudny. Bronze medals were claimed by the athletes from UOR “Moskva”.

“The tournament was held at the highest level, and the bouts were breathtaking,” said FONBET’s managing shareholder Valentin Golovanov. “We are happy and proud to have become the general partner of such a large-scale event. Our company has long cooperated with the Russian Judo Federation: together we hold the Continental League, the Russia Judo Tour, and now we have added the Battle for Moscow to our collection. We are confident that many more bright projects await us ahead.”

Incidentally, among the team members competing for the medals were young men who have already made their mark on the international stage. Among them were world cadet champion Alexey Toptygin, European Championship medallists Apti Utsiev and continental Cup winners Ramazan Khidirov, Atkhan Bichoev, and Artur Sarkisyan.

“My colleagues suggested making the competition format more interesting and spectacular: it does not violate the spirit of judo and does not go beyond international rules, but gives valuable experience to athletes for further development,” said FDR President Sergey Soloveychik. “Thanks to the support of our partners, such competitions may become regular. And most importantly – they will help nurture new world and Olympic champions, from among the boys who fought on the tatami today.”

But it was not only the tatami that was “heated” on this day. Right before the decisive battle, the audience was energised by cheerleaders, and the hall was literally set alight by the main “surprise” from the organising committee of the Battle for Moscow – the popular performer LYRIQ.

“I have never been to such tournaments before,” noted FONBET’s Deputy General Director Alexey Yagudin. “Many have seen the humorous video ‘I had a tactic, and I stuck to it.’ In judo – it’s no joke. Here, sport is not only about physics, but also about strategy, a cool head. Lose concentration for just a moment, and victory slips away. Here you can make your opponent believe you are weak, while at that very moment you are preparing a winning throw. That is the true beauty of judo. That’s exactly what struck me.”

Source: Sovetsky Sport