Sofia Fiora Faces Tough Loss to Binta Ndiaye in Women's Judo Elimination Round

In a thrilling match at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Sofia Fiora from Argentina faced off against Binta Ndiaye from Switzerland in the Women's -52 kg Elimination Round of 32. Scheduled for July 28, 2024, at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, this elimination round was filled with intensity and skill.

The contest began at 10:42 AM local time and concluded just over a minute later at 10:48 AM, reflecting the high stakes and the athletes’ quick engagements. Fiora, weighing in at 51.6 kg and ranked 38th in the world, had previously secured a first-place finish at the Perth Oceania Open in 2022. However, she faced a challenging opponent in Ndiaye, who weighed 51.9 kg and held a higher world rank of 16, having recently earned second place at the Dushanbe Grand Slam 2024.

The match saw Fiora struggling to gain control, leading to a penalty at 49 seconds into the contest. Despite her efforts, Ndiaye dominated the match, scoring a WAZ at 1:10, which ultimately concluded the bout in her favor. Ndiaye's skill and strategy were evident as she progressed to the next round, leaving Fiora with a disappointing result of 'L' (Loss).

Referee Ioana Babiuc from Romania officiated the match, ensuring fair play throughout the contest. The atmosphere at the Champ-de-Mars Arena was electric, as spectators witnessed the skill and determination of both athletes. This bout was part of a larger event that highlights the intensity of women's judo in the ongoing Olympic Games.

As the competition continues, both athletes will reflect on their performances, with Fiora looking to improve in future events and Ndiaye aiming to build on her success as she advances in the tournament.