Hidayat Heydarov Triumphs in Men's -73 kg Judo Final at 2024 Paris Olympics

The Men's -73 kg Judo Final at the 2024 Paris Olympics brought forth a thrilling contest between Hidayat Heydarov of Azerbaijan and France's Joan-Benjamin Gaba on July 29, 2024, at the prestigious Champ-de-Mars Arena. This highly anticipated match saw Heydarov, ranked first in the world, face Gaba, who entered the final with a world ranking of 35.

The contest began at 17:18 local time and unfolded with intense action. Heydarov demonstrated his superior skill and strategy, quickly taking control of the match. The first penalty was issued to Gaba at 3:43, marking the beginning of a challenging round for the French judoka. As the match progressed, both competitors exchanged penalties, but it was Heydarov’s technique that shone brightly.

At 5:39, Gaba received another penalty, further complicating his chances of victory. As the clock ticked down, the atmosphere was electric, and the audience held its breath, witnessing Heydarov executing a perfectly timed Ko-soto-gake technique at 9:24, which led to an Ippon victory. The match concluded with a total duration of 9 minutes and 24 seconds, with Heydarov emerging as the clear victor, securing the gold medal with a final score of 10 points to Gaba's 0.

Heydarov's incredible performance not only showcased his skill but also marked a significant achievement in his career, having also claimed first place at the Abu Dhabi World Championships earlier that year. Gaba, despite the loss, showed immense sportsmanship and determination, representing France with pride.

This final was officiated by Spanish referee Raul Camacho Perez, who ensured the match adhered to the highest standards of fair play. As the crowd erupted in applause, Heydarov celebrated his well-deserved victory, a testament to the hard work and dedication he has put into his judo career. The 2024 Paris Olympics continues to deliver unforgettable moments, and this final will undoubtedly be remembered in the annals of Olympic history.