Laura Martinez Abelenda Triumphs in Women's -48 kg Judo Quarterfinals at Paris 2024

On July 27, 2024, at the renowned Champ-de-Mars Arena, the Women's -48 kg judo quarterfinals witnessed an exhilarating clash between Spain's Laura Martinez Abelenda and Kazakhstan's Abiba Abuzhakynova. This highly anticipated match, which took place on Mat 1, was marked by intense competition and strategic maneuvers from both athletes.

The contest commenced at 12:36 PM local time and concluded at 12:42 PM, showcasing a total duration of 6 minutes and 7 seconds. Throughout the match, both judokas demonstrated their skills and determination, but it was Martinez Abelenda who emerged victorious.

Martinez Abelenda, who weighed in at 47.9 kg and ranked 13th in the world, started the match strong, displaying her technique and agility. She executed a Seoi-nage (shoulder throw) that earned her an IPP, a decisive point that proved crucial to her victory. Her performance was marked by two successful scores, which ultimately led her to win with a total of 10 points.

On the other hand, Abuzhakynova, weighing the same but ranked 3rd in the world, faced a tough challenge. Despite her best efforts, including a few strategic moves, she could not secure a win against her Spanish opponent. The match saw Abuzhakynova receiving penalties that affected her chances of progressing further in the tournament.

Refereeing the match was Zhang Guangyue from China, who ensured that the contest adhered to the official judo rules. The atmosphere at the Champ-de-Mars Arena was electric, with spectators cheering for both competitors as they fought for a place in the semifinals.

This victory not only propels Laura Martinez Abelenda into the next round of the competition but also highlights her potential to claim a medal for Spain in the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics. Fans and supporters eagerly await her next performance as she continues her journey in the judo event.