Kazakhstan citizens can rejoice in celebration as Yeldos Smetov won a gold medal in the men’s judo competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. He had previously earned a bronze medal in the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020 and a silver medal in Rio 2016. However, this time he created history as he took home the first gold medal in judo for his country. Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin, the former unified boxing middleweight champion and the President of the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, was overwhelmed with emotion as he congratulated Smetov on his historic win.

GGG brought honor to Kazakhstan 20 years ago by winning the silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics for Boxing. That was the first time he had ever been to the Olympic Village, and it was his second time this year.

Yeldos Smetov creates history at the 2024 Paris Olympics 

Over the past 10 years, Smetov has proven himself as a formidable athlete and a force to be reckoned with in the world of judo. He finally succeeded in defeating Frenchman Luka Mkheidze at the Champ de Mars Arena in Paris, achieving his goal of taking home the prestigious gold. He saw this as a “historic moment” for his country and was grateful for all of the support he received from his fellow citizens.

Golovkin, who was in Paris himself, shared a post on Instagram congratulating Smetov, and wrote, “Congratulations to Kazakhstan on a historic medal! A very well-deserved gold medal for our @yeldos60kg!” This was a proud moment for GGG, as he was appointed as the President of the National Olympic Committee earlier this year in the lead-up to the Olympics. A lover of the sport judo, Gennady Golovkin has been at the forefront of promoting the game in his country. Watch how fans responded when they saw Golovkin heartily applaud the 31-year-old judoka in the midst of all the hoopla in Kazakhstan.

Fans react as Gennady Golovkin rejoices in Yeldos Smetov’s victory

For every athlete, winning an Olympic gold medal is perhaps their greatest accomplishment. It is a celebratory event for the citizens of their country as well. A video of Golovkin and Smetov posing in front of the media was posted on Instagram by the former pound-for-pound boxing great. GGG wrote in the caption, “@yeldos60kg is our Olympic champion!!!”

Kazakhstan citizens were delighted to see the video, and one rejoiced fan wrote, “Congratulations on the first gold, go ahead, Kazakhstan!” 

Furthermore, Golovkin is arguably the biggest boxer from Kazakhstan. He has served as an inspiration for not only boxers but also other athletes given his international fan following. Another admirer wrote, “OUR BROTHER GENADI IS A TRUE PATRIOT,” praising Golovkin’s service to the nation and his joy at Smetov’s victory. 

GGG is an Olympic silver medalist himself, and after watching him so happy for Smetov and their country, one netizen remarked, “Gena was not even so happy for himself.” 

A netizen lauded Golovkin’s efforts as the NOC president for Kazakhstan and said, “Let Golvkin’s leadership work be successful!” 

Another heartfelt comment read, “thank you bro! You have lifted the Kazakh dignity one by one.” 

With the Olympics now underway, Gennady Golovkin and millions of Kazakhs are eager for their nation to win more medals. Meanwhile, what do you think of Golovkin’s Instagram tribute to Smetov? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.