This year, the competition was held for the first time in the city of Osh, where 14 sets of medals were contested among participants in both categories. However, one weight category attracted special attention.
In the under 73 kg weight class, 27 judokas participated, and the title of champion was claimed by Nurmukhammed Bakirdinov. Nevertheless, Islam Bayalinov, the head coach of the women's national team of Kyrgyzstan, took second place. He returned to competition after a ten-year break, and his participation in the tournament became a significant event.
It is worth noting that last year, Bayalinov also competed in this same weight category and finished in third place, earning a bronze medal. This year, just before his 40th birthday, he demonstrated excellent form, winning three matches and reaching the finals, ultimately securing silver.
After concluding his sports career, Bayalinov coached the youth national team of Kyrgyzstan and actively participated in veteran tournaments. In 2023, he became the world champion among veterans in judo, and in 2025, he won gold at the veteran world championship in sambo.
Throughout his sports career, Bayalinov has repeatedly been the champion of Kyrgyzstan in the under 66 kg weight category.
