Korea's Han Juyeop Triumphs in Men's -90 kg Judo Elimination Round

In a nail-biting contest at the 2024 Paris Olympics, held on July 31, Han Juyeop of Korea faced off against Carmel Kone from Burkina Faso in the Men's -90 kg Elimination Round of 32. The match took place at the prestigious Champ-de-Mars Arena, renowned for hosting some of the most intense judo bouts of the Games.

The competition kicked off at 10:12 AM local time, with both athletes showcasing their skills and strategic prowess on the mat. Han, who weighed in at 89.9 kg and ranked 24th in the world, demonstrated exceptional control and technique, particularly with his katate-jime (arm strangle) technique. His efforts paid off as he secured a decisive victory after 1 minute and 29 seconds of intense grappling, leading to an ippon score against Kone, who weighed 86.9 kg and held a world ranking of 82.

Throughout the match, Han exhibited his dominance, scoring a total of 10 points, while Kone struggled to find his footing, ultimately finishing the match without points. The bout ended with Han emerging victorious, progressing to the next round of the tournament, while Kone faced elimination.

The match was overseen by referee Elizabeth Gonzalez from Mexico, who ensured that the competition adhered to the Olympic standards of sportsmanship and fairness. Fans from around the world watched with bated breath as the two athletes vied for a chance to advance further in the tournament.

Han's performance has set a high standard for his upcoming matches, and he aims to continue his momentum as he competes for a medal at these prestigious Games. As the Olympics continue, all eyes will be on the judo events, where skill, technique, and determination are put to the ultimate test.