Kazakhstan’s Gusman Kyrgyzbayev secured a bronze medal in judo at the Olympic Games in Paris on July 28, 2024, marking the nation’s third medal of the competition. Kyrgyzbayev, competing in the men’s 66 kg weight category, defeated Strahinja Buncic of Serbia to claim the bronze, according to the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan.
The victory came after a challenging semifinal bout where Kyrgyzbayev lost to Willian Lima of Brazil. Despite the setback, he capitalized on the opportunity to compete for a medal in the bronze contest. This marked both the first and last Olympic appearance for the 32-year-old athlete, who previously competed in the 60 kg weight class without securing an Olympic quota.
“This is my last Olympics. I am 32 years old, which is why I gave it my all in Paris,” Kyrgyzbayev stated following his win.
Gennady Golovkin, President of the National Olympic Committee, congratulated Kyrgyzbayev on his achievement. “A real champion is determined not just by the medals he wins but by his character. During tough matches, you have shown the will to win and the strength of mind associated with true champions,” Golovkin said. He likewise extended congratulations to Kyrgyzbayev’s coaches, Yermek Nasiev and Nurbol Suleymenov.
Kyrgyzbayev’s bronze adds to Kazakhstan’s medal count, joining the bronze medals won by shooters Alexandra Le and Islam Satpayev, as well as the gold medal secured by judoka Yeldos Smetov in the men’s 60 kg category on July 27. As of July 28, Kazakhstan has a total of three bronze and one gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Kazakhstan is competing in Paris with a delegation of 79 athletes – 53 men and 26 women – across 20 sports. The nation’s participation in the 2024 Summer Olympics represents its eighth consecutive appearance at the Games in the post-Soviet era, having first competed as an independent nation in 1996. Aslanbek Shymbergenov and Olga Safronova served as the flag bearers during the opening ceremony, while Batyrkhan Toleugali and Elzhana Taniyeva carried the flag during the closing ceremony.
During the Games, Kazakh traditional wrestling techniques were showcased to guests, highlighting the country’s cultural heritage alongside the athletic competition.
As of July 28, Kazakhstan is ranked among the top 50 nations in the medal standings, with a total of seven medals – one gold, three silver and three bronze.
