Kazakh Judoka's Close Call: Kyrgyzbayev Battles Olympic Champion in Hungary

Kazakh Judoka Gusman Kyrgyzbayev Falls Short Against Olympic Champion in Hungary Budapest, Hungary – Kazakh judoka Gusman Kyrgyzbayev competed in the men's -66kg repechage at the OTP Bank World Judo Championships in Budapest on June 14, 2025. He faced a tough opponent in two-time Olympic champion Hifumi Abe of Japan. Despite a valiant effort, Kyrgyzbayev lost the match to Abe. The match was closely contested, with both athletes displaying impressive skill and technique. However, Abe's experience and superior strength proved decisive in the final moments. "It was a challenging match," said Kyrgyzbayev in a post-match interview. "Abe is a world-class athlete, and I gave it my all. I learned a lot from this experience and will continue to train hard." The video highlights the intensity of the match, showing Kyrgyzbayev's determination and Abe's skill. While Kyrgyzbayev did not win a medal this time, his performance demonstrates the high level of competition in international judo. Despite the loss, Kyrgyzbayev's participation in the World Judo Championships represents a significant achievement for Kazakhstan. His future performances will be eagerly anticipated by his fans and the judo community.