Japan’s Soichi Hashimoto won gold in the men’s 73kg but fellow Paris Olympic contender Saki Niizoe had to settle for bronze after a loss in the women’s 70kg semi-final , Saturday, during the Hungarian Judo Masters.
Japan leads the medal table with four golds, one silver and five bronze after two days of competition in Budapest, which serves as a major selection event for the 2024 Summer Games.
Japan’s Soichi Hashimoto (L) in action against Tajikistan’s Behruzi Khojazoda in the men’s 73-kilo final during the Hunagary Masters judo competition in Budapest on August 5, 2023. (Essonne Info)
Former world champion Hashimoto claimed his fourth Masters title after his opponent Behruzi Khojazoda of Tajikistan picked up his third penalty in the final.
“I fought like it was the final from the first fight and that won me the championship,” Hashimoto said. “My goal is an Olympic gold medal. I want to keep moving forward while looking forward.
Japan’s Soichi Hashimoto (2nd from left) is pictured on the medal podium after winning the men’s 73-kilo final at the Hunagary Masters judo competition in Budapest, August 5, 2023. (Essonne Info)
Niizoe, 27, the reigning world champion and one of the first four selections for Japan’s 2024 Olympic team, saw her title run come to a halt in the semi-finals against eventual champion Sanne Van Dijke of the The Netherlands.
Tokyo Games representative Miku Takaichi beat reigning Olympic gold medalist Clarisse Agbegnenou of France en route to silver at 63kg, while last year’s world champion in that division , Megumi Horikawa, won bronze.
Tokyo Olympic champion Takanori Nagase won bronze at 81kg.
Féliciane is one of the talented editors of Essonneinfo. She has written for the site since its launch, and has become a well-known figure in the industry for her skillful reporting and unique take on stories. Féliciane’s main hobby is travelling. Her passion for travel has allowed her to write in-depth articles on cultures around the world.
2023-08-06 09:47:31
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