Kubanychbek Aibek Uulu Faces Tough Defeat in Judo Men's -66 kg Elimination Round

The Men -66 kg Elimination Round of 32 in Judo at the Paris 2024 Olympics saw an intense showdown between Kubanychbek Aibek Uulu from Kyrgyzstan and Bogdan Iadov from Ukraine. Scheduled on July 28, 2024, at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, the match was a significant event in the judo calendar.

Starting at 11:30 AM local time, the contest was filled with anticipation as both athletes entered the mat with commendable credentials. Kubanychbek Aibek Uulu, ranked 33rd in the world, had recently triumphed at the Tbilisi Grand Slam 2023, securing first place. On the other hand, his opponent, Bogdan Iadov, ranked 15th globally, was coming off a victory at the Paris Grand Slam 2023, also finishing in first place.

The match began with both competitors showcasing their skills. However, it was Iadov who quickly took control of the bout. The turning point came at 3:18 minutes into the match when Iadov executed a decisive technique known as Ko-soto-gake, earning an Ippon—the highest score in judo. Aibek Uulu struggled to recover from the early setbacks, having received multiple penalties for passivity, which affected his ability to mount a substantial comeback.

With a duration of just over three minutes, the contest concluded with Iadov defeating Aibek Uulu, marking a significant step toward advancing in the competition. The result for Aibek Uulu was disappointing, as he finished the match with no points scored against Iadov’s total of 11, which included two Waza-ari scores and an Ippon.

The referee for the match, Ofer Ben Zvi from Israel, ensured that the contest was officiated fairly, but despite the best efforts of Aibek Uulu, the match came to an end with the official result being a loss for the Kyrgyz judoka.

This defeat marks a crucial moment for Aibek Uulu as he aims to learn and grow from this experience, while Iadov moves forward in the tournament, continuing to represent Ukraine with resilience and skill. The journey for both athletes in the Olympic arena continues, showcasing the spirit of competition and sportsmanship that defines the Olympics.