In the first semi-final, Muslim Kotiev (IJF) faced Mukhammedali Zhylkaidar (KAZ). The second featured Rakhim Khamkhoev (IJF), the only seeded athlete left standing in this category, against Rolan Kairgali (KAZ). It is worth highlighting that all the other seeded judoka were knocked out during the preliminary rounds, a testament to the depth of the field and the intensity of the contests.
The final followed the same pattern, with Mukhammedali Zhylkaidar (KAZ) taking on Rakhim Khamkhoev (IJF). Khamkhoev took the lead early after scoring the first yuko. Defending resolutely despite sustained pressure from Zhylkaidar, he sealed the contest in the closing stages with a superbly executed uchi-mata, awarded ippon without hesitation. That ippon was instantly converted into world gold.
In the first bronze medal contest, Anes Mati (CAN) faced Rolan Kairgali (KAZ). Kairgali quickly took control, though he later struggled somewhat under Mati’s determined attacks. The Canadian, however, could not find a way back into the contest and, in the dying seconds, was thrown again with a superb uchi-mata that crushed his remaining hopes. It was bronze for Rolan Kairgali.
The second contest for third place saw Lithuania’s Zygimantas Karalevicius (LTU) square off against Muslim Kotiev (IJF). Kotiev concluded matters decisively, applying a perfectly executed stranglehold to claim ippon and a world bronze medal.
Final (-66 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-66 kg)
