Tato Grigalashvili Triumphs in Men -81 kg Quarterfinal at Paris 2024

In a gripping quarterfinal match at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Tato Grigalashvili from Georgia faced off against Somon Makhmadbekov of Tajikistan in the Men -81 kg Judo event. The bout took place on July 30, 2024, at the iconic Champ-de-Mars Arena Mat 1, where the atmosphere was electric as fans gathered to witness this high-stakes competition.

Grigalashvili, the second-ranked judoka in the world, showcased his exceptional skills and strategy throughout the match. After an intense exchange of techniques, he executed a brilliant Seoi-nage, a shoulder throw that resulted in a Waza-ari score at 4:34 into the contest. This decisive move not only earned him points but also marked the beginning of the end for Makhmadbekov, who was ranked seventh in the world.

The match concluded with Grigalashvili emerging victorious, progressing to the semifinals with a final score of 1 Waza-ari to 0. Makhmadbekov, although unsuccessful in this round, had previously secured a first-place finish at the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2023, demonstrating his caliber as a formidable opponent.

Refereeing the match was Lubomir Petr from Australia, ensuring fair play and adherence to the rules of judo. The contest was marked by a couple of penalties, one against each competitor, but ultimately, it was Grigalashvili's prowess that shone through.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Grigalashvili as he aims for Olympic gold in Paris, continuing to prove why he is one of the best in the sport.