History was written in Belgrade as Jenys Judo Club (KAZ) became the sole non-European team to compete at the European Club Championships – Champions League 2025. Not only did they step onto European soil, they stormed their way into the bronze medal match, proving they were not here merely to participate but to contend.
Jenys opened their campaign with a thrilling 4-3 victory over TSV Abensberg (GER), announcing themselves with confidence and composure. Their momentum was briefly halted in a 4-2 defeat to Golden Gori (GEO) but the Kazakh team refused to fade. Their resilience shone through as they reignited their medal hopes with a 4-3 win against Akiyama (ITA), earning their place in the bronze medal showdown.
Standing opposite them were one of the home favourites, Partizan (SRB). The Serbian side had produced a strong morning performance, dispatching KBB Spor (TUR) with a dominant 4-0 sweep, followed by a tense 4-3 victory over Galatasaray Istanbul (TUR). However, their semi-final against reigning champions PSG Judo (FRA) proved unforgiving, ending in a 4-0 loss and sending them into the battle for bronze.
The stage was set: one of Serbia’s powerhouse versus Kazakhstan’s trailblazers.
Bronze Medal Match: Contest by Contest
-90kg: Sharipov Seals the Lead
Shakhzodxuja Sharipov opened the account in style, stunning Vojin Mandic with a breathtaking uchi-mata to take the lead. Moments later, a slick uchi-mata–o-uchi-gari combination sealed the deal. Jenys were 1-0 ahead.
+70kg: Toishibekova Lights the Fire
The second score came in the +70kg category, where Aida Toishibekova (JEN) wasted no time. A sharp o-soto-gari in the opening seconds stunned Jovana Stjepanovic (PAR). Near the end, Toishibekova secured another yuko via osae-komi-waza, sealing a confident win and putting Jenys 2-0 ahead. The local favourite simply had no answer.
+90kg: A Narrow Lifeline for Partizan
In the heavyweight encounter, Adil Orazbayev (JEN) faced Milan Bulaja (PAR). The tense, tactical bout ended 20 seconds early when Orazbayev collected a third penalty, gifting Partizan their first point and sparking hopes of a comeback.
-57kg: Abdirova Takes Control
Next came the electric meeting between Dana Abdirova (JEN) and Nikolina Nisavic (PAR). In a gripping, high-tempo contest, Abdirova held her nerve and claimed the third point for Jenys, edging them closer to a historic podium finish.
-73kg: A Decider Filled with Drama
Victory for Jenys now hinged on the final bout, while Partizan needed a win to stay alive. Bogdan Velickovic (PAR) stepped up against Shakhram Ahadov (JEN) in a must-win clash.
Ahadov struck first with a stunning uchi-mata, earning waza-ari. What followed was chaos, penalties flew in both directions and by 2:21, each judoka was sitting on two shidos, half of which got withdrawn soon after, completely shifting the pressure but when the final signal sounded, the single waza-ari remained and with it, Jenys sealed victory.
In their first-ever appearance at the Champions League, Team Jenys conquered. Their performance delivered power, heart and conviction, marking a milestone both for the club and for Kazakh judo.
Sport Director and Sport Committee Member of Jenys Professional Judo Club was jubilant after the historic win:
“We are very happy because we are the first team from outside Europe to participate here and not only participate but reach the podium. All the competitions were very tough and all the teams very strong.
We prepared as best we could and now we are celebrating a big result.”
He credited the club’s founder:
“First of all, thanks to Mr Almaz Alsenov, who founded the team. Only three years later, we have achieved such success.”
On the format:
“This is a great concept, aligned with international rules. It has proven itself and I can’t wait for next year.”
And will they return?
“If we are invited again, we will come back for sure.”
Jenys’ campaign was a statement and a powerful debut that expanded the footprint of the Champions League and showcased the global reach of judo. From Kazakhstan to Belgrade, they arrived with ambition. They leave with bronze and a legacy already underway.
Author: Szandra Szogedi