Final
Hidayat Heydarov (AZE) vs Chusniddin Karimov (CZE)
Midway through the contest, the balance between the two athletes was almost perfect, neither able to find an opening in the other’s defence. Each had received a shido, though that hardly reflected the intensity of the battle. Heydarov looked the more threatening on the ground, forcing Karimov to defend with remarkable discipline. As the clock ran out, the contest moved into golden score. It was there, just as extra time began, that Heydarov struck. With exquisite timing, he wrapped himself around his opponent and launched a clean throw for ippon. The Olympic champion’s joy was evident, a triumphant return to gold and a story of pure redemption.
Bronze Medal Contests
Justin Lemire (CAN) vs Rashid Mammadaliyev (AZE)
Rashid Mammadaliyev took the advantage midway through the contest with a well-executed tsuri-komi-goshi. He confirmed his victory moments before the end by immobilising Lemire, securing a well-deserved bronze medal for Azerbaijan.
Martin Hojak (SLO) vs Andres Pariche (VEN)
In one of the most hard-fought bronze medal contests of the day, Martin Hojak and Andres Pariche battled deep into golden score. After nearly four extra minutes, Hojak finally found the decisive moment, holding his opponent for five seconds to score a yuko, just enough to claim the bronze, a well-earned reward after a demanding contest that tested both skill and willpower.
Final (-73 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-73 kg)
