ABE Hifumi Dominates in the Men -66 kg Elimination Round of 16 at Paris 2024

In an exhilarating showdown at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Japanese judoka ABE Hifumi faced off against Hungary's PONGRACZ Bence in the Men -66 kg Elimination Round of 16. The contest took place at the iconic Champ-de-Mars Arena on July 28, 2024, where ABE showcased his exceptional skills and competitive spirit.

From the start, ABE Hifumi, who boasts an impressive ranking of 6th in the world, did not disappoint the audience. He quickly established control over the match, executing precise movements that led to a decisive victory. The match lasted a mere 1 minute, with ABE scoring an IPP - the highest point awarded in judo, which effectively ended the contest.

PONGRACZ Bence, ranked 53rd in the world, fought valiantly but ultimately could not match ABE's prowess on the mat. His best recent performance was a 3rd place finish at the European Judo Championships Seniors Individuals in 2024, but on this day, he was outmatched.

The match's play-by-play highlights include ABE scoring a WAZ at the 59-second mark and an earlier SON at the 25-second mark, demonstrating his tactical superiority. The contest concluded with ABE advancing to the quarter-finals, a step closer to his pursuit of Olympic glory.

Referee Veli-Matti Karinkanta from Finland officiated the bout, ensuring that the match adhered to the rules and spirit of judo. ABE Hifumi's victory not only solidifies his status as a top contender in the competition but also adds to Japan's legacy in the sport of judo.

As the Olympics continue, fans eagerly await ABE's next match, hoping to see more of his remarkable technique and sportsmanship on display. Stay tuned for more updates from the Paris 2024 Olympics!