On the other half of the draw, Abdullakh Parchiev (IJF) carved out his own success story. Displaying tactical precision and composure, he eliminated one of the group’s big names, Shuntaro Fukuchi (JPN), to earn his place in the final; a clear sign that rankings mean little when determination and courage take centre stage.
The gold medal contest therefore featured Tornike Gigauri (GEO) and Abdullakh Parchiev (IJF), two underdogs who proved that anything can happen on the world stage. The bronze medals were decided between Mahammad Musayev (AZE) and Nizami Imranov (AZE), and Bruno Nobrega (BRA) and Shuntaro Fukuchi (JPN).
In the final, Gigauri once again found himself on the back foot early in the contest, just as he had been in the semi-final. Yet, staying true to the fighting spirit of Georgia, he turned the tide spectacularly with a thunderous o-uchi-gari that came seemingly out of nowhere. The throw landed cleanly for ippon, sealing a dramatic world junior title for Georgia.
Bronze Medals Contests
Bruno Nobrega (BRA) vs Shuntaro Fukuchi (JPN)
In classic Japanese style, Fukuchi produced a perfect ko-uchi-gari to score ippon, leaving his opponent with no chance and earning Japan another bronze medal.
Mahammad Musayev (AZE) vs Nizami Imranov (AZE)
In a fraternal showdown between Azerbaijani teammates, Mahammad Musayev prevailed with a single, well-earned yuko, securing a place on the podium and national pride for Azerbaijan.
A category of raw energy and resilience, the –66 kg event reminded everyone that at the junior level, matches can turn in an instant and that courage, not status, often defines the champion.
Final (-66 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-66 kg)
