The Federation of Mixed Martial Arts of the Republic of Tajikistan (TAJMMAF) held another open tournament. This time the sporting event was held in the Khujand city of Sughd region from July 1 – 3.
Athletes from all over Tajikistan took part in the tournament, the total number of which exceeded 200 people. In total, 45 clubs competed with athletes across both junior (18-20) and senior (18+) categories.
Sports competitions in TAJMMAF are held with the involvement of international-level judges and representatives from IMMAF. These are experienced judges and coaches from the International Federation IMMAF who come to Tajikistan to exchange experience and conduct a master class with Tajik coaches and judges. International referee and 2021 IMMAF Best Judge and Referee Scott Manhardt was invited to attend.
Before the start of the tournament, an Anti-Doping Seminar was held with the participation of IMMAF Sophie Mueller and the Anti-Doping director of the National Olympic Committee, Farangis Ganieva. Training sessions were held in the Palace of Sports of Khujand city. The seminar, which was delivered in both Russian and English, was attended by 30 Tajik coaches and athletes, who received an international class certificate after passing the seminar.
The action was broadcasted live on the big screen in the venue and on the TAJMMAF YouTube channel.
The tournament featured some of the brightest prospects that Tajikistan has to offer. National team stalwarts Jovidon Mahmudov and Otabek Rajabov, who both enjoyed success in 2021, retained their national titles and topped the podium once again.
Both athletes were amongst a crop of talent that won multiple medals for Tajikistan in 2021, with Otabek Rajabov also taking home awards for being the “Best Newcomer of the Year” and “Best Junior Athlete of the Year” for 2021.
A list of gold and silver medalists from the competition can be found here.
Upon completion of the competition, Scott Manhardt presented certificates to 17 participants who completed refereeing and judging courses per the IMMAF rules in amateur MMA.
According to TAJMMAF Vice-President Bakhtiyor Khodjaev, in August this year, two TAJMMAF judges, who are judges of the international level, will take part in the international championship in Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates among boys from 12 to 17 years old.
Since joining the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) family, TAJMMAF has experienced rapid growth from a relatively new member of the IMMAF to one of the leading federations at senior and junior IMMAF levels.
