Olympics-Judo-Ex-wrestler gives Mongolia its first gold
By Ian Ransom
BEIJING (Reuters) - Mongolian wrestler-turned-judoka Tuvshinbayar Naidan upset a string of more fancied opponents to win the men's 100kg title on Thursday and give the windswept central Asian nation its first Olympic gold medal.
Twenty-four year-old Naidan, who switched to judo in 2000, used a traditional Mongolian wrestling technique to humble Athens heavyweight champion Keiji Suzuki in their opening bout, and then trounced Kazakhstan's Ashkat Zhitkeyev in the final.
"There are no words that can describe my happiness," Naidan told reporters. "After winning this gold my first thought is to thank my parents, my coach and all the people who have supported me in the past."
While not lacking in skill or technique, the burly Mongolian's success was largely built on brute strength and determination.
After arrogantly throwing Suzuki off the tatami for ippon and automatic victory, Naidan bullied, barged and bruised his way to the final where a hapless Zhitkeyev was the victim of three scoring throws.
Mongolia, wedged between Russia and China, has a population of only around three million. It is probably best known as the home of 13th century warrior Genghis Khan.
Zhitkeyev's silver gave Kazakhstan its first judo medal, and added to an already impressive haul by central Asian athletes.
"This medal has been a long time coming for my country ... And now there it is. I am thrilled and happy," Zhitkeyev said.
Dutchman Henk Grol and Movlud Miraliyev of Azerbaijan shared the bronzes. Miraliyev, 34, announced his retirement.
"At the last Olympics I was one step away from a medal, and I am now glad to conclude my career in a dignified way," Miraliyev said.
China's Yang Xiuli emerged from her marathon title fight against Cuba's Yalennis Castillo with a black eye but also the hosts' second judo gold.
With neither able to score after the full five minutes of extra time, referees judged Yang the more attacking fighter and awarded her the title amid deafening roars from home fans.
Yang, a soldier with China's People's Liberation Army, said she could have gone on longer if she had to.
"Soldiers aren't afraid of death on the battlefield, so what do I have to fear in competition?" she said.
South Korea's Jeong Gyeongmi and Frenchwoman Stephanie Possamai won bronzes.
(Editing by Keith Weir)
