On January 24 and 25 in Osh, the 2026 Judo Championship of Kyrgyzstan took place, featuring athletes of both genders. This event was an important stage in selecting the strongest athletes to form the national team that will represent the country on the international stage.
In the weight category up to 73 kg, the championship was won by Nurmukhammed Bakirdinov, while the silver medal went to Islam Bayalinov, who is the head coach of the women's judo team of Kyrgyzstan.
Islam Bayalinov, who ended his professional career over 10 years ago, returned to the sport in 2025, finishing third in the same weight category. At the recent championship, he achieved three victories and reached the final, which allowed him to win silver.
Throughout his career, Bayalinov has repeatedly become the champion of Kyrgyzstan. After retiring from sports, he coached the youth team and participated in veteran competitions. In 2023, he won the title of world champion among veterans in judo, and in 2025, he claimed gold at the world championship in sambo among veterans.
On January 31, Islam Bayalinov will turn 40 years old.
