Ushangi Kokauri Triumphs Over Martti Puumalainen in Judo Elimination Round

In the Men +100 kg Elimination Round of 16 held on August 2, 2024, Ushangi Kokauri from Azerbaijan showcased his exceptional judo skills as he faced off against Martti Puumalainen of Finland at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, Mat 2. The match commenced at 10:48 AM and ended in a decisive victory for Kokauri, who secured his place in the quarter-finals.

The contest was intense, with both athletes demonstrating their expertise in judo techniques. Puumalainen, weighing in at 131.8 kg and ranked 10th in the world, had previously achieved first place at the Hungary Masters 2023. However, Kokauri, who weighed 142.8 kg and held the 17th world ranking, managed to dominate the bout.

The pivotal moment of the match came at 1:45, when Kokauri executed a powerful O-uchi-gari technique, leading to an IPP and securing the victory. Puumalainen faced a penalty earlier in the match, which may have affected his performance. The final score reflected Kokauri's dominance, as he progressed to the quarter-finals with a total of 10 points compared to Puumalainen's 0.

Referee Akiko Amano from Japan oversaw the match, ensuring fair play and adherence to the rules. The atmosphere in the Champ-de-Mars Arena was electric as spectators witnessed a thrilling display of judo, underscoring the competitive spirit of the Olympic Games.

With this victory, Kokauri moves one step closer to Olympic glory, while Puumalainen will look to regroup and prepare for future competitions. The judo events continue to captivate fans around the world, demonstrating not just the physical prowess of the athletes but also their strategic acumen on the mat.