Hangzhou, China, September 20, 2023: Kyrgyzstan’s medal hopeful in judo, Vladimir Zoloev, will be fighting in a higher weight category at the Hangzhou Asian Games after giving up the battle to maintain his bulk at 81 kilograms – the weight at which he won a bronze in Jakarta/Palembang 2018.
“It has been a struggle to keep my weight at 81 kg. I’ve become older and, with age, it has been tough to maintain my old weight. This is why I’m fighting in a higher weight category in Hangzhou,” explained Zoloev as he waited with his teammates to participate in the team welcome ceremony for his country at the Athletes Village.
Zoloev will figure in the men’s -100kg class and is one of the leading medal chances in Kyrgyzstan’s 162-strong athlete squad – 130 male and 32 female athletes – who will compete in 23 sports disciplines.
“I hope I can repeat my performance from Jakarta and go one better this time. It will be harder as I’m fighting in a higher weight class but I will give it my best shot,” Zoloev said.
Despite being one of the smaller countries at the Games, Kyrgyz Chef de Mission Marat Askarbekov remained hopeful of a credible outcome and bettering the 22nd place overall finish in Jakarta.
“We have a number of chances to win medals, especially in wrestling, athletics, judo, jujitsu and wushu. Last time, we won 20 medals overall and our hope is that we can do better in Hangzhou,” said Askarbekov.
Kyrgyzstan’s 20 medals in Jakarta included three gold medals, five silver and 12 bronze medals. The three gold medals were in athletics, jujitsu and wrestling.
“Wrestling will once again be a top contender. The athletes have still not arrived as they are currently taking part in the World Championships in Serbia. We hope they do well so they will arrive in a confident frame of mind,” Askarbekov added.
Another medal chance for Kyrgyzstan will be in Esports where all eyes will be on Kyialbek Taiirov, who is presently ranked among the world’s top 10 and holds the number one spot in Central Asia Dota 2, which is one of the game titles in Hangzhou.
