Hifumi Abe Triumphs in Men’s -66 kg Judo Final at Paris 2024

The Men’s -66 kg Judo Final at the Paris 2024 Olympics witnessed an electrifying showdown between Japan's Hifumi Abe and Brazil's Willian Lima. Scheduled for July 28, 2024, at the iconic Champ-de-Mars Arena, the match captivated the audience as the two elite athletes demonstrated their exceptional skills and strategies.

Abe, who has previously claimed gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, entered the final with a world ranking of 6 and a body weight of 65.8 kg. His experience and agility were evident as he swiftly took control of the match. The contest began with both athletes testing each other's defenses before Abe initiated a series of aggressive moves.

Lima, ranked 8th globally and weighing in at 65.9 kg, showcased his resilience and tactical prowess, but he struggled to gain the upper hand against Abe’s relentless onslaught. As the match progressed, Abe executed a decisive Waza-ari, showcasing his exceptional technique. Just before the end of the contest, Abe secured an Ippon, bringing the match to a close at 2 minutes and 36 seconds, marking his victory.

The official referee for this thrilling encounter was Raul Camacho Perez from Spain, who ensured a fair and competitive environment throughout the match.

With this victory, Hifumi Abe solidified his status as one of the top judokas in the world, adding another gold medal to his impressive collection. The win not only brings glory to Abe but also highlights Japan's dominance in the sport of judo. Meanwhile, Lima's commendable performance earned him a silver medal, further establishing his reputation on the international stage.

The final was part of a series of exhilarating judo events at Paris 2024, expected to leave lasting memories for athletes and fans alike. As the excitement continues, all eyes will be on the upcoming matches as competitors aim to emulate Abe's remarkable achievement.