Sardalashvili is young and wild, Nagayama still favourite U60kg

Ryuju Nagayama is No. 6 in the Olympic rankings U60kg and has never won a World title (he has two World bronzes). Yet, we think he is the top favourite for gold. No doubt, he crashed out early in the 2024 Abu Dhabi World Championships (a result of an uchimata-sukashi) but if you look at the -60kg field, he is by far the most technically accomplished player. And by now, he is very experienced in fighting players of all styles and Nagayama is still vulnerable.

On the final day of the individual judo tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics, judo fans and sports enthusiasts will witness intense battles, especially in the -60kg category for men. Georgian world champion Giorgi Sardalashvili, known for his explosive energy and relentless fighting style, is one to watch. At just 21 years old, Sardalashvili is still maturing, but he has already proven his mettle by winning against Yang in the world final this year, defying the rankings. Yang, with two Olympic experiences and a silver medal under his belt, is a formidable opponent and will be seeking redemption.  Nagayama has never fought him before. Sardalashvili's unorthodox techniques coupled with the confidence of youth, could very well prove to be a problem for Nagayama.

Beyond the top seeds lies a pool of world-class, experienced judoka. Among them is Yeldos Smetov of Kazakhstan, a world champion and double Olympic medallist. At 31, Smetov may not be in his prime, but his acrobatic and resilient fighting style, combined with his technical and mental toughness, makes him a dangerous opponent. This is likely his last Olympic appearance, adding to his motivation to perform.

Another veteran worth mentioning is Won Jin Kim of South Korea. Kim, a three-time Masters medallist and senior world medallist, has an impressive 21 World Judo Tour medals. Competing in his fourth Olympics, Kim's experience and skill make him a challenging opponent for anyone in the draw.

The -60kg category is packed with talent, and while the top 8 seeds look strong, it is unlikely that they will remain unchallenged throughout the day. Judoka like Wolczak (ISR), McKenzie (JAM), Enkhtaivan (MGL), Tsjakadoea (NED), and Ruziev (UZB) are all capable of causing upsets. Each of these athletes has the ability to throw and defeat higher-ranked competitors, making the competition unpredictable and exciting.

As the competition unfolds, the combination of seasoned veterans and rising stars will make for a thrilling conclusion to the individual judo events. The unpredictability of judo, especially at the Olympic level, ensures that every match will be filled with anticipation and excitement.

In Pool A, Yang Yung Wei (TPE) and Yeldos Smetov (KAZ) are the ones to look out for.

In Pool B, Francisco Garrigos (ESP) and Ryuju Nagayama (JPN) are the top prospects.

In Pool C, Giorgi Sardalashvili has quite a clear path

In Pool D, Luka Mkheidze (FRA) and Kim Won-jin (KOR) are the top dogs.