In the final, Stump took the initiative immediately, setting a high pace in an attempt to unsettle his opponent. He came close to doing so, but in the very next exchange it was Asadulloev who seized the advantage, throwing with ko-uchi-gari for a waza-ari.
The Tajik judoka fought hard for every grip, recovering repeatedly from precarious situations with almost feline agility. He appeared to have the momentum well in hand, until Stump countered him cleanly to level the score.
The spectacle lived up to every expectation as the contest headed into golden score, with both judoka on the brink and everything to play for. In the end, it was an unexpected and brilliantly timed obi-tori-gaeshi that allowed Nils Stump to secure a superb victory. One thing is certain: both Stump and Asadulloev will continue to make headlines.
The bronze-medal contests offered equally compelling narratives. Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov (UAE) faced Abubakr Sherov (TJK) in an all-action encounter between two judoka known for their physicality and forward-driving style. Neither athlete managed to score in normal time and the contest moved into golden score, where Makhmadbekov ultimately prevailed in a tactical battle, earning a well-deserved bronze for the host nation.
In the other contest, Joan-Benjamin Gaba (FRA), still not at his usual pace, stepped onto the tatami against world and Olympic medallist Daniel Cargnin (BRA), in a bout that demanded both resilience and tactical clarity. Once again struggling with rhythm and acceleration, Gaba found himself under pressure and was penalised before succumbing to Cargnin’s sustained attacks. The Brazilian produced a superb waza-ari that the Frenchman was never able to recover from, sealing a fine bronze medal winning performance for Daniel Cargnin and Brazil.
Final (-73 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-73 kg)
