Tajik Officials, Fans Hail Judo Star Who Won World Championship Medal

Officials in Tajikistan's capital, Dushanbe, came to the city's airport early on May 25 to welcome home Somon Makhmadbekov after he won a bronze medal at the World Judo Championships in Abu Dhabi. Wrapped in the national flag and displaying the medal on his chest, Makhmadbekov walked into the airport arrivals hall to the sound of traditional music. After the welcoming ceremony, Makhmadbekov greeted scores of fans waiting outside the airport. Martial arts enjoy great popularity and prestige across Central Asia. Makhmadbekov, a world junior champion from 2019, earned his latest medal in the 81-kilogram category. (RFE/RL's Tajik Service)