Gusman Kyrgyzbayev Triumphs in Men's -66 kg Judo Elimination Round

In an exhilarating showdown in the Men's -66 kg Judo Elimination Round of 16 at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Kazakhstan's Gusman Kyrgyzbayev showcased his skill and tenacity, defeating South Korea's Baul An. The match, held at the prestigious Champ-de-Mars Arena, began at 11:36 AM local time on July 28, 2024, and lasted for a thrilling four minutes.

Kyrgyzbayev, who competed in the white judogi, weighed in at 65.8 kg and entered the match as the 26th ranked judoka in the world. His opponent, An, donned the blue judogi and weighed slightly less at 65.7 kg, holding a higher world rank of 13. Despite the difference in rankings, Kyrgyzbayev displayed remarkable prowess and strategic skill throughout the contest.

The match started with both athletes carefully gauging each other's tactics, but it was Kyrgyzbayev who struck first. He executed a Sode-tsurikomi-goshi technique, earning him a Waza-ari score at just 24 seconds into the match. This early lead set the tone for the rest of the contest. An struggled to regain his footing, accumulating penalties as he attempted to close the gap.

Kyrgyzbayev's dominance continued as he secured another point, bringing his total to two Waza-ari scores, which ultimately led to his victory with a total score of 1-0 over An, who was unable to score any points throughout the match. The contest concluded at 11:42 AM, with Kyrgyzbayev advancing to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Referee Lubomir Petr from Australia oversaw the match, ensuring fair play and adherence to the rules. Kyrgyzbayev's victory is a significant milestone for Kazakhstan in the judo discipline, showcasing the country's growing presence in the sport on an international stage. As he moves forward in the tournament, fans and supporters eagerly anticipate his next match and hope for continued success for this talented athlete.