From the early morning elimination rounds right through to the final block, the day was marked by passion, fierce and pure. Every bout was fought with total commitment. Every movement carried the full weight of decades spent on the tatami. Yet, alongside such commitment, there was something else, too: respect. A respect so visible, so deeply rooted, it stood as a beautiful testament to the true spirit of judo.
It is both moving and inspiring to witness how deeply veteran athletes embrace competition. Nothing is left to chance, the training is precise, the warm-up focused and the mindset absolutely intent on victory. But these judoka know something essential: winning is meaningful, but winning with honour is what truly defines the sport.
That’s why, once the final bow is made, it is almost guaranteed that both competitors, regardless of the result, will embrace, exchange a word, analyse the decisive moment of the match, or simply share a smile. A smile that says everything: We are here because we love this sport. We are here because judo still brings us alive.
Day three was a celebration, not merely of skill, but of longevity, camaraderie and the enduring beauty of judo. And as these veteran champions reminded us once again: age may add silver to the hair, but it never dulls the soul of a fighter.