Anka Pogacnik Triumphs in Women’s -70 kg Elimination Round at Paris 2024

In a captivating showdown at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Slovenian judoka Anka Pogacnik emerged victorious in the Women’s -70 kg Elimination Round of 32, defeating Demos Memneloum from Chad. The match took place on July 31, 2024, at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, where Pogacnik showcased her skills and determination, securing her place in the subsequent rounds.

From the outset, the contest was intense. Pogacnik, wearing the white judogi, weighed in at 69.5 kg and held a world ranking of 19. Her prior achievements include a remarkable first-place finish at the Antalya Grand Prix in 2017, which set the stage for her performance in this Olympic event.

Memneloum, on the other hand, donned the blue judogi and competed at a body weight of 68.2 kg, currently ranked 91st in the world. Despite her efforts, Memneloum could not overcome Pogacnik's tactical prowess and strength.

The match saw Pogacnik take an early lead, executing a Waza-ari, followed by an Ippon that concluded the contest in just 34 seconds. The bout officially ended with a score of 10 to 0 in favor of Pogacnik, marking a significant milestone in her Olympic journey.

The bout was officiated by Vyacheslav Pereteyko from Uzbekistan, who ensured that the competition was fair and up to Olympic standards. Pogacnik's victory not only highlights her skill but also exemplifies the spirit of competition in judo, a discipline where strategy and strength play crucial roles.

As Pogacnik advances, she carries the hopes of Slovenia and continues to aim for Olympic glory in the following rounds. Fans and supporters eagerly await her next match, hoping to see her continue her winning streak in this prestigious event.