In Osh, from January 24 to 25, 2026, the national judo championship took place, during which the strongest athletes were determined to form the national team representing Kyrgyzstan on the international stage.
In the weight category up to 73 kg, the first place was taken by Nurmukhammad Bakirdinov, and the second by Islam Bayalинов, who is the head coach of the women's national team of Kyrgyzstan.
Bayalинов, who ended his professional career over ten years ago, returned to sports in 2025 and won third place in the same weight category. At the recent championship, he won three matches and reached the final, earning a silver medal.
Throughout his career, Islam has repeatedly become the champion of Kyrgyzstan. After finishing his professional performances, he coached the youth team and participated in competitions among veterans. In 2023, he won the title of world champion among veterans in judo, and in 2025, he became the holder of a gold medal at the world championship in sambo among veterans.
On January 31, Islam Bayalинов will turn 40 years old.
