Highlights From the Men’s Preliminaries - Day 1

It was the Georgian who took that early win, ejecting the second seed from the competition far earlier than Ashpiz had expected.

Sardalashvili then went all the way through to the quarter-final stage, setting up a tantalising contest. The Georgian 2024 world champion would fade the 2025 world champion, Nagayama (JPN), not one to miss! They kept everyone on tenterhooks until the last minute when the te-waza of the Japanese judoka proved to be decisive. He scored ippon fluidly and without hesitation, sending Sardalashvili to the repechage.

In pole position, Balabay Aghayev (AZE) had a lot to live up to as the competition began. No work or Olympic medals in his cabinet yet but the spectators pushed him, coaches believed in him and he certainly arrived with the skills to reach the podium. However, as the first contest came into view, it was clear that he was not himself. He struggled with rhythm, placement and intensity, elements Aghayev doesn’t usually struggle with.

He came through a very close first contest only on penalties but in the next round current junior world number one and 2024 world cadet champion Jonathan Yang (USA) doused local hopes by throwing their hero for ippon in golden score. It was an inspired moment for the young American and one that shocked a full arena.

Jonathan wasn’t the only Yang in great form! Olympic and double world medallist, ten years his senior, Yung Wei Yang (TPE) marched through the draw with remarkable precision. Drawn in the same quarter as his namesake, Yung Wei Yang had to call on all his reserves to reach the semi-final though, only passing the younger judoka by virtue of penalties. He eventually found his way to the final block, yet another incredibly high level performance delivered on a day that counts, but to compete for bronze not gold.

With Aghayev out, Azerbaijan still had hopes of a men’s medal on this first day. Fifth seed Ahmad Yusifov, largely overlooked as a favourite with his compatriot occupying the spotlight, fought joyously all morning, responding perfectly to the crowd and the opportunity. His tsubame-gaeshi against Ayub Bliev was an indicator of something special happening.

He threw with passion, moved with focus and gave the feeling that he believed he could reach the highest step of the day.

Yusifov made his way to the final, upsetting many predictions but securing a first medal for the host nation, no matter the outcome of the final block contests. Azerbaijan may have a new hero in their midst!

The final block will live at 6pm local time; JudoTV will show all medal contests and presentations. Tune in, wherever you are.