Russia’s Arman Adamian (white) competes with Czech Republic’s Lukas Krpalek (blue) in their men’s -100Kg final bout. AFP
Doha: Russia’s former European Games champion Arman Adamian yesterday clinched his maiden World Championships gold medal at Doha 2023, competing as a neutral athlete.
At the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, the 26-year-old Adamian defeated Lukas Krpalek of the Czech Republic in the men’s -100kg final to clinch his maiden World title.
“I feel very good, I can’t wait to speak to my family on the phone to celebrate with them,” Adamian, speaking in Russian through a translator, told international media after the title clash in front of a massive crowd.
“I just enjoyed my victory and listened to the IJF anthem,” Adamian said after the International Judo Federation (IJF) anthem replaced his country’s national anthem.
The IJF has allowed Russian and Belarusian judokas to take part in the World Championships in Doha as neutral athletes, lifting their previous ban due to the invasion of Ukraine.
Adamian eliminated Mustapha Yasser Bouamar (ALG) in round 1 with a controlled uki-otoshi and then took a tactical victory over Adnan Khankan (IRT) in round 2.
The 3rd round saw him take on Simeon Catharina (NED) to reach the quarter-final where he threw out Georgian world No.1 Ilia Sulamanidze.
Adamian went on to face Shady Elnahas (CAN) in the semi-final but despite trying everything he could to continue, the Canadian had to retire after sustaining an injury, sending the Russian into his maiden world championship final.
In yesterday’s final, Adamian’s opponent Krpalek was the hot favorite.
Krpalek, a two-time world champion, three-time European title holder and a two-tile Olympis gold medallist in the same weight class.
The Czech fighter’s sacrifice throw attempts did give him a couple of opportunities on the floor but eventually worked against him, as he picked up a 3rd shido 1 minute into golden score for a false attack as Adamian earned a well-deserved world title.
