Hidayat Heydarov Dominates Men -73 kg Quarterfinal in Judo at Paris Olympics

In a thrilling quarterfinal match during the Men -73 kg Judo event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Azerbaijan's Hidayat Heydarov showcased his exceptional skills, defeating Canada's Arthur Margelidon with a score of 10-0. The match, held on July 29, 2024, at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, was marked by Heydarov's dominant performance, where he executed a decisive Kata-guruma technique to secure victory.

Heydarov, ranked number one in the world, weighed in at 72.9 kg and entered the match with confidence after clinching first place at the Abu Dhabi World Championships earlier in 2024. Throughout the contest, he demonstrated tactical excellence and control over the mat, accumulating points with two Waza-ari and one Ippon, which ultimately led to his advancement to the semifinals.

In contrast, Margelidon, who weighed in at 72.7 kg and held the ninth position in the world rankings, struggled to find his rhythm against Heydarov's relentless attack. Despite his efforts, Margelidon was unable to score any points, resulting in a disappointing end to his campaign.

The match lasted a total of 10 minutes and 3 seconds, with the official referee Ioana Babiuc ensuring a fair contest. As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on Heydarov as he aims for Olympic gold, solidifying his status as one of the top contenders in the judo discipline.