Bence Pongracz Defeats Ismael Alhassane in Men’s -66 kg Judo Elimination Round at Paris 2024

On July 28, 2024, during the Men’s -66 kg Elimination Round of 32 at the Paris Olympics, Hungarian judoka Bence Pongracz faced off against Ismael Alhassane from Niger. The match took place at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, where both athletes displayed remarkable skills and determination.

The contest began sharply at 10:18 AM local time and concluded at 10:24 AM, lasting a total of 1 minute and 28 seconds. In the early moments of the match, Bence Pongracz, competing in blue, quickly established his dominance, scoring a Waza-ari at 26 seconds into the bout. Alhassane, wearing white, attempted to respond but found himself in a challenging position.

Pongracz showcased his prowess, ultimately winning the match with an Ippon, securing his place in the Round of 16. This victory follows Pongracz's impressive performance in the European Judo Championships Seniors Individuals earlier this year, where he achieved a third-place finish.

Ismael Alhassane, despite the loss, demonstrated his competitive spirit and skillset, entering the bout ranked 131st globally. This match serves as a significant milestone in his career as he continues to represent Niger on the international stage.

The match was officiated by Vyacheslav Pereteyko from Uzbekistan, ensuring a fair and competitive environment for both athletes. As the Judo events progress in Paris, fans eagerly anticipate further thrilling matches from the world's best judoka.