Zelym Kotsoiev Triumphs in Men's -100 kg Judo Quarterfinal at Paris 2024

The Men’s -100 kg quarterfinal in judo at the Paris 2024 Olympics was a nail-biting encounter that saw Azerbaijan's Zelym Kotsoiev dominate the mat against Israel's Peter Paltchik. The match took place on August 1, 2024, at the prestigious Champ-de-Mars Arena, an iconic venue that has become a focal point for Olympic events.

Kotsoiev, who came into the match ranked first in the world, showcased his exceptional skills and strategies, executing a brilliant Uchi-mata technique just 57 seconds into the contest, earning a Waza-ari score. With an impressive body weight of 99.7 kg and a notable recent achievement of first place at the Abu Dhabi World Championships, Kotsoiev was clearly a force to be reckoned with.

The match lasted a total of four minutes, during which Kotsoiev maintained control and effectively countered Paltchik's attempts. Paltchik, despite being an accomplished judoka ranked 11th globally and a silver medalist at the Hungary Masters 2023, struggled to find his rhythm against Kotsoiev's relentless attacks.

As the clock ticked down, it became evident that Kotsoiev was on his way to victory, securing a spot in the semifinals with a final score of 1-0. The match concluded officially at 11:48 AM, marking a significant milestone in Kotsoiev's Olympic journey. Refereed by Vladimer Nutsubidze from Georgia, the bout highlighted the intensity and excitement that judo brings to the Olympic Games.

Fans of judo and sports enthusiasts alike witnessed a remarkable display of athleticism, technique, and mental fortitude. Kotsoiev’s victory not only propels him closer to Olympic glory but also sets the stage for an exhilarating semifinal matchup.