The Olympic champion held a meeting with students of the Kodokan Spirit judo Center in Astana, the official website of the capital's akimat reports.
At the solemn event, Eldos Smetov wished the talented young judoists of Astana success in sports and presented anniversary kimonos with his signature.
At the meeting, the young men asked the Olympic champion their questions.
"My most difficult Olympic match was against the 2023 world champion Francisco Garrigos. On my way to victory, he gave me only one chance. As a result, I made the most of my moment. Wherever you are in general, an understanding person can succeed only through family support. Prayer and the contentment of parents are the main key to victory," said Eldos Smetov, champion of the Paris Olympics.
A young athlete who had just started taking steps in this sport asked Eldos about the most difficult moment he had experienced in judo.
"I had to fight in 40 kg at international competitions in Uzbekistan. But my weight was 44 kilograms. I still can't forget how I had to quickly lose 4 kilograms," he replied.
It should be noted that in the new Kodokan Spirit judo center with an area of 1,200 square meters, more than a thousand children are engaged in judo. The sports complex is equipped with a 180-seat stand, Olympic-quality Japanese tatami mats, modern ventilation and lighting. In addition to the main hall, the sports complex has a multifunctional gym, two small halls for group classes, a comfortable waiting area for parents and a dining room.
According to the President of the Astana Judo Federation Gaisa Zhumaliev, there are many talented athletes in the capital who can achieve the highest results on the world stage. The adult Astana national team, training at the Kodokan Spirit Judo Center, took third place in the team competition among 20 regions of Kazakhstan for the first time.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/astana/press/news/details/895724