A judoka from Turkmenistan won bronze at the Cadets Asian Cup in Kazakhstan

15-year-old Turkmen judoka Kakilik Deryayeva won a bronze medal at the Almaty Cadets Asian Cup. This success was achieved by the 10th-grade student of Ashgabat Secondary School No. 37 in the under-48 kg weight category, which featured 25 athletes from 5 countries competing for medals.

On her way to the podium, Kakilik secured four victories. In the first round, she won decisively in just 36 seconds against Sarvinoz Abdusamadova (Uzbekistan), then also won by ippon against Khongorzul Ariunzorig (Mongolia). In the quarterfinals, K. Deryaeva lost to Nargiza Dustmamtova (Uzbekistan), after which she won by ippon in the repechage against Zarnigor Ulashova (Uzbekistan), and in the bronze medal match defeated Zlata Shvaigert (Kazakhstan).

Another bronze medal in this weight category was awarded to Uzbek judoka Nargiza Dustmamtova. The silver medal went to Assel Ruslanova (Kazakhstan). The winner of the Asian Cup was Gulmira Kholmurzaeva (Uzbekistan).

This is the first major international success for the talented young Turkmen judoka. Kakilik Deryayeva has been practicing judo since 2019. She began learning the basics of this Olympic sport under Batyr Annayev. Currently, she trains under Gulbadam Babamuratova and the head coach of the Turkmenistan women's national team, Tatyana Vidyasova.

The Asian Cadet and Junior Judo Cup held in Almaty gathered 788 athletes from 11 countries – Azerbaijan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mongolia, Russia (competing under the IJF flag), the USA, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Our team at this competition is represented by 31 judokas.