Like the previous two days, Japan dominated the debates, almost. If in recent months we often asked ourselves questions about the ability of Japan to bounce back and find the necessary motivation to shine even more, we now have the answer and it is very clear: Japan remains Japan. The other strong judo nations have been warned.
Behind, the places are expensive and the battles harsh. At the end of the day we could therefore see tears, sadness for the losers, joy for the winners. Those of the Mongolian Lkhagvatogoo, third at -57kg, backstage at the descent of the tatami were magnificent. We also saw a lot of smiles, big smiles like that of Rafaela Silva who not only returned to victory but in the most beautiful way. Bravo for this second world crown and for this first non-Japanese victory.
In the men’s division, Ono not being present, it is Hashimoto who had the possibility to add a fifth gold medal for Japan. Tsend-Ochir of Mongolia had other plans though and without a doubt he was the strongest today.
So we started to say that Japan dominated the debates. That was true until today. Brazil and Mongolia were warned like the other nations but they took advantage of it.
On the fourth day of competition, we look forward to -81kg men. Which favourite will come out on top? From which nation’s door will walk a new prodigy? The answers come tomorrow. Among the -63kg again there is a lot of uncertainty, with the absence of Queen Agbegnenou. It's all very exciting.