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Caramnob Sagaipov, a judoka of Chechen origin, is preparing to represent Lebanon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Aged 27, this talented athlete, now a naturalized Lebanese citizen, seems to embody good hope for a medal for the Land of the Cedars. His path to Lebanese nationality, however, remains shrouded in mystery.
Born in 1997 in the village of Chiri-Yurt in Chechnya, Sagaipov took up judo in 2006. His precocious talent soon led him to join the Russian national team for cadets and juniors. However, in 2018, he made the choice to represent Lebanon on the international stage, motivated by the encouragement of his Lebanese mentor, François Saadé Junior.
“Representing Lebanon is a huge honor for me,” Sagaipov clarifies in front of an audience of journalists who have flocked to see this judoka from elsewhere. “It’s an opportunity to show the world our potential and give hope to our country.”
Express Naturalization
The road to the Olympic Games is strewn with challenges. Caramnob Sagaipov is all the more determined. “Every day of training is another step towards my Olympic dream,” he adds in broken English. His daily routine is punctuated by intensive training sessions, aimed at perfecting every aspect of his judo.
“Caramnob is an exceptional athlete,” says his coach François Saadé Jr. “He has the talent and determination to succeed in Paris. We’ve worked hard to prepare for this competition, and I’m convinced he’ll do Lebanon proud.”
But how did he become a naturalized Lebanese citizen? François Saadé Senior, President of the Lebanese Judo Federation, evades the question. “His mother is originally Lebanese, from North Lebanon to be precise.” It’s hard to beat that in terms of tongue-in-cheek.
Acquiring Lebanese nationality is notoriously difficult for foreigners, even those with Lebanese roots through their mother, due to restrictive laws on the transmission of citizenship. In Sagaipov’s case, however, the process seems to have been expedited. This particular case recalls that of Nacif Élias, a Brazilian judoka who was also naturalized Lebanese to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics. How did this native of a small village in Chechnya end up with the Saadés? You’ll have to come back for the answers.
A Formidable Competitor
That said, Sagaipov quickly proved himself to be a formidable competitor. Since joining the Lebanese team, he has taken part in numerous international competitions, racking up victories and podium finishes in the under-90 kg category. His style of judo, combining technique and strength, has helped him make a name for himself on the world stage.
“Every victory is extra motivation,” he confides. “I’m determined to give my all in Paris.”
For Caramnob, the Paris Games represent much more than just a competition. Sagaipov is determined to honor his new national colors. “Representing Lebanon at the Olympic Games is a huge honor,” he says.
“My aim is to show the world the potential of Lebanese judo,” he declares with pride.
His coach shares this ambition. “We have a clear strategy for Paris. The aim is to stay focused, give our best and aim for the podium. Caramnob has everything it takes to succeed.”
The enigma surrounding his naturalization only adds to the aura of this athlete determined to make Olympic history under the colors of the Lebanese flag.
