Lasha Bekauri Triumphs in Judo Men -90 kg Quarterfinal at Paris 2024

In a highly anticipated quarterfinal showdown during the Men -90 kg judo event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Lasha Bekauri of Georgia showcased his exceptional skills, defeating Han Juyeop from South Korea. The match, held on July 31, 2024, at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, was a display of technique and strategy, culminating in a victory for Bekauri after just 1 minute and 22 seconds of action.

Bekauri, who is ranked first in the world, entered the match with a reputation solidified by his gold medal performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He faced Han, the 24th ranked judoka, who had previously secured a commendable third place at the Tbilisi Grand Slam earlier in 2024.

The contest started with both athletes demonstrating their prowess, but it was Bekauri who seized the opportunity first. Using the O-uchi-gari technique, he executed a perfect throw, earning an IPP score and sealing his victory. This win not only advances Bekauri to the semifinals but also reinforces his status as a top contender for the gold medal in this Olympic cycle.

The match ended with a score of 10 to 0 in favor of Bekauri, showcasing his dominance throughout the contest. The referee, Akiko Amano from Japan, officiated the match, ensuring fair play and adherence to the judo rules.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Lasha Bekauri as he aims to continue his winning streak and potentially add another Olympic medal to his impressive collection.