The France team lost against Japan this Sunday after a twisted final of the World Judo Team Championships. The Blues nevertheless pocketed an eighth medal.
The day after Teddy Riner’s gold medal and Julia Tolofua’s silver, the French team reached the final of the mixed team event at the World Judo Championships in Doha. The Blues started their day with a relatively easy victory against Lithuania in the round of 16 (4-1). In the next round, the Habs did not suffer the slightest setback to grant themselves an expeditious success against Romania (4-0). Then in the semi-finals, Germany weighed much more heavily to hinder the advance of Christophe Massina’s proteges, victorious 4-1.
ππππ-ππππππππππ ππ πππππ! π₯π€©
Our Blues lost in the final against Japan and won a very nice silver medal! β‘οΈ
Thank you Blues!!! π₯Ήππ«π·#JudoWorlds #GoLesBleus #FierdEtreJudoka pic.twitter.com/2BY2aOTjFr
β France Judo (@francejudo) May 14, 2023
Another pair of sleeves against Japan. Despite the two initial victories of Joan-Benjamin Gaba (-73kg) against Soichi Hashimoto and Margaux Pinot against Saki Niizoe (-70kg). While Maxime-Gael Ngayap Hambou was surprised by a contentious counter by Goki Tajima (-90kg), the Blues got closer to a coronation fight when Coralie Hayme pushed Maya Segawa to fault in her fight (+70kg). But neither Joseph Terhec (+90kg) nor Sarah-LΓ©onie Cysique (-57kg) managed to conclude. Victim of an immobilization, the latter could not prevent the Japanese equalizer and the decisive fight.
The emotional elevator
The draw then designated the women’s -70kg category in which Margaux Pinot won in the second fight of this final. However, his second stint turned out to be less successful. Nevertheless, the tricolor clan went through all the feelings. First of all, by trust. Soichi Hashimoto having received two “shidos” sanctioning his lack of fighting spirit. The joy then when the French knocked down her opponent! But the hold was not validated by the referee. Then stupor. The video came to the aid of the director of debates to inform him of a dangerous attack by the double European champion, disqualified. Cruel !
The Judo Worlds therefore end on this bitter note despite the collective silver medal of the French. However, the results remain satisfactory with eight medals, including two gold. Four silver and two bronze awards complete this harvest. France finished 2nd in the medal standings, behind Japan.
