Seeded 7th, Abdulaev needed a good run to reach the final, which was likely to include an awkward, tense fight with Dilshot Khalmatov (UKR) in the quarter-final, however, Boston Ruziev (UZB) put paid to that when he knocked the Ukrainian out earlier in the day. Unseeded and with a smaller CV, this was not necessarily an expected win for the Uzbek. This set up a quarter-final between Abdulaev and Ruziev.
Forty seconds into the contest, Ruziev had a momentary loss of balance, which he regained but as he did so, Abdulaev adjusted his grip and went around the back, not far round, but far enough and smoothly executed a low, seamless uchi-mata which rolled Ruziev on to his back cleanly; ippon was scored.
What happened between them in technical judo terms though is almost irrelevant, although we won’t say that to either of them! The amazing part was their collaborative response to the final score. Both smiled, kneeling on the tatami and Ruziev nodded in appreciation. Good judo is good judo and when it’s performed so beautifully the only reply is an acknowledgement of excellence. You can’t argue with an uchi-mata of that quality, no matter how much you wanted to win.
This is not just a recording of a beautiful technique, it’s a moment of respect captured perfectly. It is fitting that they both finished the day standing on the podium, one with his second gold in as many years and the other with a bronze medal.
