Saito Tatsuru Triumphs in Judo Men +100 kg Elimination Round of 16

In a thrilling match held on August 2, 2024, at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, Saito Tatsuru of Japan showcased his exceptional judo skills in the Men +100 kg Elimination Round of 16. The contest lasted for 1 minute and 31 seconds, with Saito demonstrating his prowess by executing a Uchi-mata technique that earned him the decisive victory.

Saito, who weighed in at 172.0 kg and is currently ranked 6th in the world, faced off against Lukas Krpalek from Czechia, who entered the match as the 11th ranked judoka. Saito’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he quickly took control of the match, ultimately winning with an Ippon—a perfect score that reflects his dominance.

This victory not only secures Saito's advancement to the quarter-finals but also highlights his impressive track record. He previously secured 1st place at the Jerusalem Masters in 2022. Krpalek, on the other hand, despite his remarkable achievement of winning 1st place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, was unable to match Saito's intensity in this bout and was eliminated from the competition.

The match was officiated by Jean Claude Djimbi from Gabon, who ensured the contest was conducted fairly. The atmosphere in the Champ-de-Mars Arena was electric, as fans cheered for their favorite athletes, making for a memorable Olympic experience.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Saito Tatsuru, who aims to bring home a medal for Japan in the Men +100 kg category. With his exceptional technique and competitive spirit, he is definitely a contender to watch in the upcoming rounds.