It is Monday 15th of July, the Euros 2024 are wrapped up, Wimbledon has been concluded, now all eyes are on to the Olympic Games, can Spain continue in their world domination? We will find out on the 27th of July as the first judoka battle it out for the ultimate title.
In the -60kg category, chances are high with 2023 World Champion and three-time European Champion, Francisco GARRIGOS. The Spanish representative has really come in to his own in this past Olympic cycle, and rivals the very best of the category. Leading such is the Tokyo Olympic silver medallist, YANG Yung Wei (TPE), and though he may be heading the lightest of the men’s categories, the young superstar of Georgia, current World Champion, Giorgi SARDALASHVILI has left no room for doubt, that he could be standing on top of the podium in Paris.
Of course, a heavy focus will be on the Tokyo bronze medallist, Luka MKHEIDZE (FRA) who will be fan favourite in the Champ-de-Mars Arena, overlooking the iconic Eiffel Tower. In Tokyo, TAKATO Naohisa (JPN) was the victor, but has passed the baton to team mate, NAGAYAMA Ryuju. Pressure is always high for the Japanese team, giving the origins of the sport and their prowess on the international scene. There is a strong force from the Asian continent, but Europe will be fighting back with the likes of Balabay AGHAYEV (AZE), Salih YILDIZ (TUR) and Dilshot KHALMATOV (UKR).
As for the women, according to ranking, it may be a steeper climb for Spain’s Laura MARTINEZ ABELENDA in the -48kg category, however this is one of the highlights of this sport, the unknown. The idea that it can be anyones day is a major draw.
At the top of the seeding is Assunta SCUTTO (ITA), who after some time away from the tatami, returned for the World Championships and soared to the final, though somewhat disappointed with her second place finish, it is a testament to her fighting spirit and her goal of Olympic Champion. Following closely behind her is a triple threat from the Asian continent; BAVUUDORJ Baasankhuu (MGL), Abiba ABUZHAKYNOVA (KAZ) and TSUNODA Natsumi (JPN) will play pivotal roles for the European athletes chasing down the top four.
The French hopeful, Shirine BOUKLI has been a star in the eyes of her public and will continue to be that as she strives for Olympic glory on home soil. It won’t be such a new feel for the world ranked #5 who claimed the European title in Montpellier 2023 as well as the Paris Grand Slam gold this year! Also in the top eight we have Milica NIKOLIC (SBR) was locked in a national rivalry this cycle and Catarina COSTA (POR) who has rivalled the likes of Boukli in major finals.
Also knocking on the door of greatness are Tugce BEDER (TUR) and Tara BABULFATH (SWE) who have had a strong run up to these Olympic Games and will give their all on the day.
Saturday 27th July: -60kg/-48kg
- Preliminaries
- Start: 10:00 End: 14:00
- Final block (repechage, semi-finals, bronze medal contests and final)
- Start: 16:00 End: 19:00
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen