KIM Minjong Triumphs in Men +100 kg Judo Quarterfinals at the 2024 Olympics

In an intense quarterfinal bout at the 2024 Paris Olympics, KIM Minjong of Korea faced off against Ushangi KOKAURI from Azerbaijan in the Men +100 kg Judo event. The match took place on August 2, 2024, at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, drawing a crowd eager to witness high-stakes judo action.

KIM Minjong, known for his remarkable technique and competitive spirit, came into the match ranked number one globally. He wasted no time, quickly establishing control over the match. KIM's first significant point came at 3:33 into the contest when he executed a beautiful Uchi-mata throw, scoring a Waza-ari, which allowed him to take the lead.

Despite a strong performance from KOKAURI, who entered the competition ranked 17th in the world, he struggled to maintain momentum against KIM's tactical prowess. KOKAURI's best result prior to this match was a second-place finish at the World Championships in Baku in 2018. However, he couldn't replicate that success against KIM. The match lasted a total of 4 minutes, with KIM ultimately winning by a score of 1 point to 0, securing his place in the semifinals.

The bout was officiated by Matthieu BATAILLE from France, ensuring that the contest adhered to the highest standards of fairness and sportsmanship. KIM's victory not only highlights his exceptional abilities but also sets the stage for what could be a historic Olympic journey for the young athlete, who celebrated his 24th birthday just a day before this match.

This quarterfinal victory is a testament to the dedication and hard work that KIM has put into his judo career, especially after claiming first place at the Abu Dhabi World Championships earlier this year. As he prepares for the next phase of the tournament, all eyes will be on KIM Minjong as he aims for Olympic gold.