Vazha Margvelashvili vs. Walide Khyar: A Thrilling Judo Clash at Paris 2024

On July 28, 2024, the Men’s -66 kg elimination round of 16 in judo was held at the prestigious Champ-de-Mars Arena in Paris. The match featured two exceptional athletes: Vazha Margvelashvili from Georgia and Walide Khyar from France, both competing for a chance to advance to the quarter-finals.

Vazha Margvelashvili, who is currently ranked 2nd in the world, entered the competition with a notable track record, having secured a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. In this match, he donned the white judogi and weighed in at 65.9 kg.

On the other side of the mat was Walide Khyar, ranked 16th in the world and representing France. Khyar, dressed in blue, weighed slightly lighter at 65.8 kg and had recently performed well at the World Judo Championships in Doha, where he finished in third place.

The match began at 11:30 AM local time and concluded at 11:36 AM, lasting a total of 3 minutes and 43 seconds. The contest was filled with tension, with Khyar taking an early lead. Margvelashvili struggled to find his rhythm, receiving penalties during the match. Notably, at 1:03 and 2:54, he was penalized for inactivity, which set him back in points.

As the match progressed, Khyar demonstrated exceptional skill, executing a Waza-ari throw at 3:43, securing his victory over Margvelashvili. The final score reflected Khyar's dominance, with Margvelashvili ultimately losing the match. The referee for this intense encounter was Zhang Guangyue from China, ensuring the match was officiated fairly.

This thrilling bout not only showcased the high stakes of Olympic judo but also highlighted the intense rivalry and sportsmanship between these two outstanding competitors. Khyar's victory propelled him forward into the quarter-finals, where he would continue his quest for Olympic glory.