Gulnoza Matniyazova Triumphs in Women's Judo -70 kg Elimination Round

In an electrifying matchup during the Women's -70 kg Elimination Round of 32, Uzbekistan's Gulnoza Matniyazova faced off against Song Hui Mun from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on July 31, 2024. The contest took place at the prestigious Champ-de-Mars Arena, where both judokas displayed remarkable skill and determination. Matniyazova, ranked 18th in the world, came into the competition with a notable history, having previously clinched first place at the Tashkent Grand Prix in 2017.

The match began at 10:18 AM local time and was officiated by Brazilian referee Mariano dos Santos. Matniyazova, wearing a white gi and weighing in at 69.9 kg, quickly established her dominance. With a swift combination of techniques, she scored an impressive 'Ippon'—the highest score in judo—against Mun, who was ranked 37th in the world and weighed 69.4 kg.

The bout lasted just 2 minutes and 17 seconds, during which Matniyazova showcased her strategic prowess, earning her victory with a decisive score of 10 points. Mun, on the other hand, was unable to secure a point, ultimately resulting in her elimination from the tournament. The match concluded with Matniyazova advancing to the next round, confirming her status as a strong contender for the medal in this highly competitive category.

As the judo competition unfolds in Paris, fans are eagerly anticipating Matniyazova’s next fight, hoping she continues her impressive performance on the international stage. This victory marks a significant moment for Uzbekistan in the Olympics, bringing pride to her nation and inspiring future generations of athletes.