Paris 2024 Olympics: Judo – history, rules, reigning champions – Firstpost

The word “judo” means “the gentle way.” The competitive wrestling sport that requires hand-to-hand combat techniques couldn’t be more different, especially when an Olympic medal is involved.

The modern sport of judo was founded by Dr. Jigoro Kano, who established the first ‘dojo’ (school) in Tokyo in 1882, and is derived from the ancient Japanese martial art of jiu-jitsu. Although it shares some similarities with wrestling, what sets it apart is the rule that judokas are not allowed to grab their opponents’ legs.

Later, in the second half of the 20th century, the martial art spread to Europe and other parts of the world, becoming one of the most popular forms of martial arts in the world.

What is the history of judo in the Olympic Games?

Judo made its Olympic debut at the 1964 Tokyo Games and would become a permanent fixture at the world’s largest sporting event from Munich 1972 onwards. Although the women’s competition was initially introduced as a demonstration event in 1988, it would become a medal event four years later in Barcelona.

Japan remains the most successful judo country at the Olympics, with 96 medals since its introduction in 1964. France is second in the rankings with 57 medals, while the Republic of Korea is third with 46 medals.

What are the rules?

Simply put, the goal of a judoka is to throw, pin or overpower his opponent in an efficient manner by applying pressure to the arm joints or the neck.

There are two types of scores in judo: ippon and waza-ari.

Ippon is awarded when a judoka throws his/her opponent to the mat with power, speed and control, or can also be awarded by submission or by pinning them to the ground for 20 seconds. An ippon results in an instant victory.

A waza-ari, on the other hand, is awarded when the throw is not clear enough to be an ippon or when the judoka has pinned his/her opponent to the mat for less than 20 seconds but more than 10 seconds. Two waza-ari’s lead to an ippon, and thus to a victory.

Who are the reigning champions?

Men 60 kg: Naohisa Takato, Japan.

Men 66 kg: Hifumi Abe, Japan.

Men 73 kg: Shohei Ono, Japan.

Men 81 kg: Takanori Nagase, Japan.

Men 90 kg: Lasha Bekauri, Georgia.

Men 100 kg: Aaron Wolf, Japan.

Men +100 kg: Lukas Krpalek, Czech Republic.

Women 48 kg: Krasniqi District, Kosovo.

Women 52 kg: Uta Abe, Japan.

Women 57 kg: Nora Gjakova, Kosovo.

Women 63 kg: Clarisse Agbegnenou, France.

Women 70 kg: Chizuru Arai, Japan.

Women 78 kg: Shori Hamada, Japan.

Women +78 kg: Akira Sone, Japan.

Mixed team: France.

Which countries have qualified?

The Paris Olympics will see a total of 378 judokas (192 men and 186 women) from 122 countries across five continents competing in the Games that begin later this month. Tulika Maan (women’s 78kg) is the only Indian judoka competing in the Paris Games.

Which judo athletes should you keep an eye on?

Teddy Riner, France: The world’s most famous active judoka is trying to cap his incredible career with a record-equaling third individual Olympic gold medal in front of his home crowd. Now 35, Riner suffered a shock quarterfinal defeat in Tokyo, but the 11-time world heavyweight champion still won gold in the mixed team event.

Uta Abe and Hifumi Abe, Japan: The siblings will attempt to win gold medals on the same day at their second consecutive Olympic Games. They accomplished the unprecedented feat three years ago in Tokyo and have both won world championships in both years since.

Clarisse Agbegnenou, France: The six-time world champion is the favorite to win her second consecutive Olympic gold. She is trying to do it at home and less than two years after the birth of her daughter.

Lukas Krpalek, Czech Republic: Riner could make history if he is defeated by Krpalek, the relatively unknown two-time Olympic champion who captured heavyweight gold in Tokyo after Riner was surprised.

When and where will judo take place during the Paris Olympics?

Judo begins on July 27 and ends on August 3 with the mixed team competition. The matches will be held at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, a temporary facility built in the public green space that extends from the Eiffel Tower.

With AP inputs

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