In a thrilling showdown, 2023 world champion Luka Maisuradze from Georgia faced Korea’s Jonghoon Kim for the gold medal. Kim made a name for himself earlier in the day by defeating top competitors, including Brazil’s Rafael Macedo and France’s Eniel Caroly.
Final match: Jonghoon Kim (KOR) vs Luka Maisuradze (GEO)
Kim’s strong seoi-otoshi technique gave Maisuradze trouble right from the start. Their styles clashed: Kim favored distance, while Maisuradze preferred close combat. Both gained a shido (penalty), adding tension as the clock ticked down. With only a minute left, Maisuradze received a second shido, pushing the match into golden score.
Gold medal winner: Jonghoon Kim (KOR)
After 43 seconds of extra time, Kim seized his moment. He executed a perfect seoi-otoshi, flipping Maisuradze to the ground for ippon victory. Previously ranked 111th in the world, Kim’s win marked his first grand slam medal.
Bronze medal bout: Klen Kristofer Kaljulaid (EST) vs Goki Tajima (JPN)
In the bronze medal match, Japan’s Goki Tajima quickly defeated Estonia’s Kaljulaid. He skillfully combined a small uchi-mata with a powerful osoto-gari, scoring ippon in just over a minute.
Bronze medallist: Alexis Matthieu (FRA)
The second bronze medal was awarded to Alexis Mathieu after his teammate, Maxime-Gael Ngayap Hambou, could not compete.
The medal ceremony featured Mrs. Kolinda Grabarkitarovic, Former President of Croatia, and Mr. David Inquel, Vice President of France Judo.
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International Judo Federation, IJF, FIJ, judo, federation, olympic, sport, martial art, education, peace, children, Jigoro Kano
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