French judoka Dayyan Boulemtafes claimed the bronze medal in the -73 kg category at the World Judo Championships in Baku on Tuesday, securing the first global podium finish of his career at age 20.
Dayyan Boulemtafes Claims First World Bronze in Baku
The Paris SG athlete secured his place on the world stage just months after capturing a bronze medal at the European Championships in April. Reflecting on his victory in Azerbaijan, Boulemtafes told reporters that the result reflected years of commitment. “This medal really represents the work I have been doing for three months, I really prepared myself to the fullest for these World Championships. And then more generally, the work of my whole life,” he said, as cited by Rfi.fr.
Boulemtafes advanced through four demanding matches before dropping a hard-fought semifinal bout to Japan’s Ryuga Tanaka. The defeat left the young competitor with mixed emotions regarding his tournament run. “I had come anyway to be world champion. “It’s hard to lose a semifinal, to remobilize for a third-place match. Afterward, it’s the World Championships, so I still found the necessary resources.”
Franck Chambily Assesses the Young Judoka’s Rise
French national team coach Franck Chambily praised the tactical profile of his rising athlete, describing him as an atypical talent. Chambily pointed to Boulemtafes’s loose, flexible upper body and powerful legwork as key physical attributes that separate him from domestic rivals. “It’s very well, at 20 years old, to get a bronze medal at the Europeans and the Worlds. It aspires to go a little higher.”
The emergence of Boulemtafes adds immediate depth to the French -73 kg division, creating direct competition with compatriot and defending world champion Joan-Benjamin Gaba. Boulemtafes had previously defeated Gaba during the European Championships earlier in the season. Addressing his rapid ascension from the junior ranks two years ago, Boulemtafes noted that his career trajectory has exceeded his own expectations. “A few months ago, I would have hardly imagined being where I am.”
Joan-Benjamin Gaba Suffers Early Exit and Sarah-Léonie Cysique Injured
While Boulemtafes secured the delegation’s second medal of the week following Shirine Boukli’s bronze in the -48 kg category on Sunday, the French team faced notable setbacks on the tatami. Joan-Benjamin Gaba, the Olympic silver medalist from Paris and reigning world titleholder, was eliminated in the opening round of the -73 kg competition.
The day also brought a serious health scare for the French squad when Sarah-Léonie Cysique sustained a head injury during the -57 kg semifinals. The 28-year-old judoka landed heavily on the top of her head and required immediate medical attention on the mat.
Competition at the World Championships in Baku continues on Wednesday with the entry of Olympic champion Clarisse Agbégnénou in the -63 kg division, where she targets a seventh world title just seven months after giving birth to her second child.
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