Hashimoto Soichi Triumphs in Men -73 kg Elimination Round at Paris 2024

In a gripping showdown at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Japan's Hashimoto Soichi faced Bulgaria's Mark Hristov in the Men -73 kg Elimination Round of 16. The match, held at the Champ-de-Mars Arena Mat 2 on July 29, 2024, showcased exceptional skill and determination from both athletes.

Hashimoto, weighing in at 72.7 kg and ranked 2nd in the world, demonstrated his prowess early in the contest, earning a Waza-ari point with a stunning Sode-tsurikomi-goshi technique just 12 seconds into the match. Hristov, who weighed 72.9 kg and held a world ranking of 27, struggled to counter Hashimoto's aggressive approach.

Despite Hristov's efforts, Hashimoto maintained control throughout the four-minute match, ultimately winning with a total of one Waza-ari and no penalties, securing his place in the quarter-finals. This victory adds to Hashimoto's impressive resume, including a gold medal at the World Senior Championship in Budapest in 2017.

The match concluded with Hashimoto's triumph, while Hristov was eliminated from the competition. The referee for the bout, Orlando Cruz Cruz from the Dominican Republic, oversaw the match, ensuring fair play and adherence to judo rules.

Fans eagerly anticipate Hashimoto's next performance as he continues his quest for Olympic gold in Paris. With this victory, he remains a strong contender in the judo discipline, embodying the spirit and competitive nature of the Olympic Games.