The air in the capital of Moldova buzzes with youthful energy. Flags of European nations line the streets, and in the heart of the city, the best young judoka of the continent step onto the tatami for the U23 European Judo Championships. Yet, it is striking that among the organisers, greeting delegations, checking judogis, ensuring the all runs smoothly, stands a man whose name already echoes through the world of judo: Adil Osmanov, Moldavian judoka, Olympic bronze medallist of Paris 2024.
It’s an unusual sight, an Olympic hero not basking in the spotlight but working quietly behind the scenes. Yet for Osmanov, this week is about something bigger than medals. It’s about giving back, to the sport, to his people, and to the next generation.
Adil shared how it all began, with a trace of nostalgia in his eyes. “I started judo when I was 11. I was bullied at school and asked my father to take me to some kind of martial art. He suggested judo. Over time, I began to take it seriously, and since 2017, I have represented Moldova on the international stage.”
What began as a search for self-defense turned into a lifelong calling, and ultimately, an Olympic dream fulfilled in Paris. Still, even now, the fire that drove him from those early days still burns bright.
Representing Moldova, Osmanov says, changed him, not just as an athlete but as a person. “When I compete, I don’t fight only for myself. I fight for my country. Knowing that, I can’t allow myself to give less than 110%.”
That sense of duty and pride is visible in every gesture. Even as he manages the logistical tasks of an international championship, Adil speaks of his role with the same seriousness he brings to the tatami. “The fact that us athletes are part of the organisation here in Chisinau just happened naturally. Everyone from the national team who isn’t competing is helping with the organisation. I am responsible for meeting delegations at the airport, checking judogi, and so on. It is inspiring to know I can help make this championship special for both the athletes and the fans.”
How does this work compare to competing? “On the mat, you are calm and focused. In the organising committee, you are constantly moving, always in a rush. It’s a different kind of challenge.”
For the first time in history, Moldova is hosting a European Judo Championship. Osmanov’s eyes shine when he speaks of it. “It’s a huge feeling of pride. For the first time, Moldova is hosting such an event and I get to be part of it. This isn’t about medals anymore; it’s about contributing to the development of our sport in our country.”
In a sense, his presence symbolises a bridge between past and future, the athlete who conquered the world now building opportunities for others to follow. “Young athletes can now see the European level of judo right here, at home,” Adil says. “They can feel the atmosphere of a real championship and believe that they, too, can get there.”
He believes this event will ignite something powerful in Moldovan judo an awakening of dreams and ambitions. “The main thing is to use this momentum,” he insists. “After the championship, I think there will be more interest from young people, more sponsors, and more government support.”
Adil continued by an advise for Moldova’s young judoka watching from the stands: “The most important thing is patience and belief in your success. I repeat this to myself every time I step onto the tatami.” It is simple, but it carries the weight of a man who’s fought his way from a small dojo to the Olympic podium in Paris.
Adil’s ambitions don’t stop with sport. “I want to fully realise my potential in judo first,” he says. “After that, I might go into business or international sport. I am already studying these areas, for example, I am writing my diploma on sports and public diplomacy.”
That last phrase, public diplomacy, seems to capture what Adil is becoming: not just an athlete, but an ambassador of Moldova’s spirit, discipline and determination.
As the second day of the competition continues to unfold and young judoka chase their own dreams on Moldovan soil, Adil continues to move through the venue, shaking hands, fixing small issues, cheering for the athletes.
He could have been anywhere in the world, enjoying the fame of an Olympic medal. Instead, he chose to be here, at home, helping his country take a historic step forward and perhaps, that’s what makes a true champion: not just the medals around their neck, but the heart they leave behind.
Author: Szandra Szogedi