Naperville - Goldenville

Illinois Judo recently hosted the 2017 Illinois State Judo Championships where nearly 200 hundred athletes competed from five states and Naperville athlete Zolboo "Zobie" Amgaabaatar (13) made the city proud by winning gold in his age and belt division.

The 2017 Illinois State Judo Championship was an officially sanctioned competition by USA Judo, which is recognized as the governing body for the sport to the United States Olympic Committee. Placing in a top spot at a state level competition is one of the paths an athlete can take to eventually stand on one of the largest sport stages in the world - the Olympic Games. "Taking gold in his division is something Zobie should be very proud of," Commented Mike Minton, the President to Illinois Judo.

The Hill Middle School 8th grade student started training in Judo only about a year ago. According to his parents they were not expecting to take him to a state level competition this soon into learning the sport but after being encouraged by the young athlete's coach at Fox Valley Judo and Jujitsu, they signed him up. "For him to have achieved the top spot means that he would have competed against other athletes that have been training for as much as 6 years. With only being involved in Judo for a year, that is very unusual and special," Minton Concluded.

"I'm really proud of my son," stated Amgaa Purevjal, Zobie's Father. Continuing, "But then again, he always impresses us. Just when I think I can't possibly be more proud, he raised the bar on himself. What more can I ask for." With only having a year under his belt and already realizing great successes, this young Naperville athlete is one to keep an eye on.