The sports world is in shock and grief after the sudden and tragic death of Kazbek Zankishiev, a renowned judo medalist from Russia. Zankishiev, who was only 31 years old, passed away on March 2, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration in the sport of judo. His fans, fellow athletes, and the judo community are mourning the loss of a true champion and a beloved figure.
Who was Kazbek Zankishiev?
Kazbek Zankishiev was a highly respected Russian judoka, known for his exceptional skill and success in the sport. Born on May 23, 1992, Zankishiev made significant strides in judo, particularly in the weight category up to 100 kg. His career highlights include:
- Winning the World Junior Championships U20 in 2011 in Cape Town
- Securing the gold medal at the Grand Prix in Tashkent in 2019
- Earning the title of the 2017 European bronze medalist in the -100 kg division
- Ranking 11th in the world in his weight category as of February 2020
Zankishiev’s contributions to the sport and his remarkable journey as a judo athlete have left an indelible mark, earning him respect and admiration within the judo community. His dedication, sportsmanship, and outstanding performances will be remembered as part of his enduring legacy.
How did Kazbek Zankishiev die?
The details surrounding Kazbek Zankishiev’s death are still unclear and under investigation. According to some reports, Zankishiev was found unconscious in his apartment in Moscow and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of his death has not been officially confirmed, but some sources suggest that he may have suffered a heart attack. The judo world is awaiting official statements from his family, his club, and the Russian Judo Federation regarding the circumstances of his death.
As the community mourns the loss of a beloved figure, there is a collective desire for clarity and closure regarding this tragic event. His achievements on the international stage brought pride to his country, and his absence leaves a void within the judo community in Russia and beyond. The legacy he leaves behind will undoubtedly shape the future of the sport within the nation.
Tributes pour in for the late judoka
Following the news of Zankishiev’s passing, tributes from fellow judokas, sports organizations, and fans flooded social media and news outlets. The outpouring of condolences and fond memories serves as a testament to Zankishiev’s profound influence on the judo community. Some of the tributes are as follows:
Defending world champion HAGA Ryunosuke (JPN) is OUT! Kazbek ZANKISHIEV (RUS) defeats the Japanese for a place in the -100kg 3rd round! pic.twitter.com/EPTxX58kZT
— Judo (@Judo) September 2, 2017
The passing of Kazbek Zankishiev represents a significant loss for the judo community. His remarkable career, dedication, and sportsmanship will be forever remembered. As the world mourns the untimely loss of a judo legend, Zankishiev’s legacy will continue to inspire and resonate within the hearts of all those touched by his extraordinary journey.
Career Statistics
| Year | Event | Location | Result | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | World Junior Championships U20 | Cape Town, South Africa | 1st | Gold |
| 2013 | Grand Prix | Abu Dhabi, UAE | 3rd | Bronze |
| 2014 | Grand Slam | Tyumen, Russia | 3rd | Bronze |
| 2015 | Grand Prix | Zagreb, Croatia | 2nd | Silver |
| 2016 | Grand Prix | Almaty, Kazakhstan | 2nd | Silver |
| 2017 | European Championships | Warsaw, Poland | 3rd | Bronze |
| 2017 | Grand Slam | Ekaterinburg, Russia | 2nd | Silver |
| 2018 | Grand Prix | Tbilisi, Georgia | 3rd | Bronze |
| 2019 | Grand Prix | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | 1st | Gold |
| 2019 | Grand Slam | Brasilia, Brazil | 3rd | Bronze |
