Tatsuru Saito gives hope to Japan for desired heavyweight Olympic gold

The heavyweight division at the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2024 delivered an anticipated final showdown between Temur Rakhimov of Tajikistan and Tatsuru Saito of Japan. Rakhimov, ranked second in the world and a finalist in the recent Dushanbe Grand Slam, faced off against Saito, whom Japan has long groomed to be a heavyweight powerhouse.

Saito demonstrated his dominance early on, swiftly defeating Turkish athlete Munir Ertug with a first ippon. He continued his strong performance, securing a waza-ari against Bislan Katamardov of the Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN). In the semi-final, Saito showcased his skill by scoring twice against Jur Spijkers of the Netherlands, who had previously defeated European champion Martti Puumalainen.

Rakhimov, in his semi-final match, countered youngster Ibrahim Tataroglu, earning a waza-ari followed by an immobilization for ippon.

In the final, Saito maintained control over Rakhimov, utilizing superior kumi-kata and launching main attacks. Despite Rakhimov's efforts, he was penalized twice, and with golden score approaching, Saito executed an o-uchi-gari to score a waza-ari. With only seconds remaining, Rakhimov faced an insurmountable challenge, securing the gold medal for Saito and Japan.

In the contest for the first bronze medal, Jur Spijkers of the Netherlands faced Yevheniy Balyevskyy of Ukraine. Spijkers, in good form, secured victory with an o-soto-gari for waza-ari, followed by an immobilization for ippon.

The second bronze medal contest featured Bislan Katamardov of AIN against Ibrahim Tataroglu of Turkey. Tataroglu demonstrated focus and determination, securing victory with a strong uchi-mata for waza-ari, followed by an ippon from pinning his opponent.

These matches highlighted the skill and determination of the heavyweight judoka, with Saito emerging victorious and Japan topping the nations' list at the event's conclusion.