Maxime-Gael Ngayap Hambou vs Sanshiro Murao: Thrilling Men -90 kg Judo Semifinal Showdown

On July 31, 2024, the Champ-de-Mars Arena witnessed an exhilarating semifinal in the Men -90 kg judo event, featuring French judoka Maxime-Gael Ngayap Hambou and Japan's Sanshiro Murao. The match, which lasted 3 minutes and 33 seconds, showcased the skill and determination of both athletes.

From the start, Murao displayed his superior technique, quickly gaining points with an impressive Ippon early in the match, securing a decisive victory against Ngayap Hambou. Murao, who weighed in at 89.7 kg and was ranked 3rd in the world, had previously demonstrated his prowess by winning the Jerusalem Masters in 2022.

On the other hand, Ngayap Hambou, weighing 89.5 kg and ranked 38th globally, fought valiantly but ultimately fell short, earning the silver medal in the recent Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2023. The match was officiated by Vyacheslav Pereteyko from Uzbekistan, ensuring fair play and adherence to the judo rulebook.

As the semifinal concluded, Murao's victory propelled him into the finals, leaving Ngayap Hambou to reflect on a tough but commendable performance. This match not only highlighted the spirit of competition but also set the stage for an exciting finale in the Men -90 kg category.