Temur Rakhimov Triumphs in Men’s +100 kg Quarterfinals at Paris 2024

On August 2, 2024, the Men’s +100 kg Judo Quarterfinals at the Paris 2024 Olympics delivered an exhilarating showdown between Temur Rakhimov from Tajikistan and Alisher Yusupov from Uzbekistan. Both athletes entered the mat at Champ-de-Mars Arena, showcasing their skills and determination in front of a vibrant crowd.

The match kicked off with both competitors adopting a cautious approach, each vying for an early advantage. Rakhimov, ranked third in the world, demonstrated his prowess by scoring the first points with a well-executed Waza-ari at 3:00 minutes into the contest, putting him in the lead. Yusupov, ranked ninth, quickly retaliated with a Waza-ari of his own just two minutes later, leveling the score.

The tension escalated as the contest progressed into a golden score period, where the next point would determine the outcome. After a hard-fought battle, Rakhimov showcased his experience and agility, earning an Ippon victory at 5:54 minutes, thus securing his place in the semifinals.

Rakhimov's victory marks an important milestone in his Olympic journey, especially after his impressive performance at the Jerusalem Masters 2022, where he finished second. This win not only lifts his spirits but also raises expectations for his upcoming matches.

The match was officiated by Akiko Amano from Japan, who ensured a fair contest under the rules of judo. With this win, Rakhimov continues to progress towards his goal of Olympic gold, while Yusupov’s journey in the tournament concludes here. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, filled with cheers and anticipation as fans rooted for their respective athletes.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Rakhimov as he prepares for the semifinals, where he will face even tougher challenges on his path to Olympic glory.