Flagbearers in judo: Serdar Rahimov (TKM)

Serdar Rahimov of Turkmenistan is proudly carrying the flag for his country in judo at the Paris Olympic Games. Despite being relatively new on the global judo scene. Serdar, a young and talented athlete born on February 12, 2004, now stands as a beacon of hope and pride for Turkmenjudo.

Serdar's journey in judo began at the tender age of eight, influenced by watching competitions on television. He was captivated by the purity and discipline of the sport, which fueled his desire to train and compete. His dedication has borne fruit, as evidenced by his stellar performance on the World Tour, where he clinched gold in the 2024 Grand Slam held in Dushanbe. This victory is a significant milestone for both Serdar and his country, highlighting the progress and potential of Tajik judo.

In addition to his Grand Slam triumph, Serdar has also demonstrated his prowess in other international competitions. He secured fifth place in Almada, Portugal, in 2023 and seventh place in both Astana, Kazakhstan, and Linz, Austria, in 2024. His consistency is further illustrated by his numerous top 17 finishes in events across the globe, including Tokyo, Baku, Ulan Bator, and Antalya.

Serdar's participation in the IJF World Championships has also been noteworthy. He ranked 17th in the Men's -66 kg category in Abu Dhabi in 2024 and 33rd in Doha in 2023. These experiences have undoubtedly contributed to his growth and resilience as a competitor on the world stage.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Serdar is also dedicated to his education, having studied at the Architectural Construction Institute. Balancing his academic pursuits with his training, he embodies the spirit of hard work and determination. Fluent in Turkmen and Uzbek, Serdar connects with a diverse range of supporters and inspires young athletes across Central Asia.

Serdar's journey is guided by his coaches, Kazuhiko Tokuno from Japan and Ikhlas Setdarov from Turkmenistan, who train him at the Olympic Sports Centre in Turkmenistan. His training regimen is rigorous, but it is his passion for judo that keeps him motivated. He holds a deep admiration for his mother, whom he considers a saint, and draws inspiration from Rishod Sobirov, the renowned Uzbek judoka and three-time Olympic bronze medalist.

As he steps onto the mat in Paris, Serdar Rahimov carries the hopes and dreams of a nation eager to make its mark in the world of judo. 

Judo Flagbearers so far (updated Friday)

Amina Belkadi (ALG)

Ange Ciella Niragira (BUR)

Anna-Maria Wagner (GER)

Arnold Kisoka (COD)

Barbara Matic (CRO)

Djamila Silva (CPV)

Erlan Sherov (KGZ)

Faye Njie (GAM)

Gultaj Mammadaliyeva (AZE)

Hugo Cumbo (VAN)

Idalys Ortiz (CUB)

Izayana Marenco (NCA)

Juan Postigos (PER)

Klen Kristofer Kaljulaid (EST)

Krisztian Toth (HUN)

Larisa Ceric (BIH)

Manita Shrestha Pradhan (NEP)

Maryam March Maharani (INA)

Michaela Polleres (AUT)

Nora Gjakova (KOS)

Akil Gjakova (KOS)

Peter Paltchik (ISR)

Richelle Anita Soppi Mbella (CMR)

Serdar Rahimov (TKM)

Temur Rakhimov (TJK)

Valentin Houinato (BEN)

Thomas Mlugu (TAN)

Lukas Krpalek (CZE)