Andreja Leski Triumphs in Women's Judo -63 kg Elimination Round

In an electrifying match held on July 30, 2024, Slovenian judoka Andreja Leski faced off against Algeria's Amina Belkadi in the Women's -63 kg Elimination Round of 16 at the prestigious Champ-de-Mars Arena in Paris.

The contest kicked off with both athletes showcasing their skills. Leski, who weighed in at 62.9 kg and held a world ranking of 7, quickly established dominance over her opponent, Belkadi, who weighed 62.7 kg and ranked 20th globally.

The match was intense, lasting a total of 3 minutes and 10 seconds. Leski executed a decisive move, achieving an IPP (full point) at 3:10, which secured her victory with a score of 10 points against Belkadi's 1 point. This impressive win was indicative of Leski's training and skill, especially considering her previous accomplishments, including a silver medal at the World Judo Championships in Hungary 2021.

Belkadi, despite her loss, demonstrated resilience and skill, having previously clinched a gold medal at the African Championships in 2019. The match ended with Leski advancing to the quarter-finals, marking a significant step in her Olympic journey.

Refereeing the match was Ioana Babiuc from Romania, whose officiating was crucial in maintaining the integrity of the competitive atmosphere. The contest took place on Mat 2 of the Champ-de-Mars Arena, further adding to the excitement of the event.

As the Olympics continue, all eyes will be on Andreja Leski as she aims for further success in her quest for Olympic glory. Will she secure a medal for Slovenia? Only time will tell, but her performance in this elimination round certainly sets high hopes for her future matches.