In the judo men’s 60kg category at the Paris Olympics, the spotlight was on Tatsuya Nagayama, a first-time Olympic participant from SBC Shonan Beauty Clinic, who showcased remarkable skill but was marred by a contentious decision in the quarterfinals against Spain’s Francisco Garrigos.
In a tense quarterfinal bout, Nagayama appeared to be at a disadvantage when he was drawn into a ground technique by Garrigos. As the match progressed, Nagayama was subjected to a single-hand choke. With just about a minute left on the clock, the referee called for a “matte” (pause), but Garrigos continued his hold. Moments later, Garrigos was declared the winner by ippon, much to the astonishment of the spectators and the Japanese coaching team.
This was quite controversial pic.twitter.com/aYI6n76ID5
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Post-match reviews revealed that the referees acknowledged a mistake in the “matte” call. According to the All Japan Judo Federation, Garrigos had continued the choke for six seconds after the pause was called. Nagayama, reflecting on the incident, mentioned that he had begun to relax his grip upon hearing the “matte,” which led to his temporary loss of consciousness.
The Japanese team, led by Chairman Jun Kanou and Coach Keiji Suzuki, lodged a protest with the referees. However, the decision stood firm, and Garrigos’ victory was upheld. Coach Suzuki expressed his frustration, questioning the integrity of the decision and whether it aligned with the true spirit of judo. He pointed out the discrepancy in the rules interpretation, emphasizing that continuing a hold after a pause call should be against the sport’s ethos.
Despite the setback, Nagayama displayed resilience. Encouraged by his coaches to prove his strength through victory, he fought his way through the repechage rounds, ultimately securing a bronze medal. His journey, marked by both triumph and heartbreak, resonated deeply with judo enthusiasts worldwide.
Nagayama’s emotional response post-match highlighted his mixed feelings. Striving for gold, he couldn’t mask his disappointment, yet his achievement of a bronze medal on such a prestigious stage was a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
