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Gaba uses the Heydarov takedown

Gaba uses the Heydarov takedown

21 Aug 2024 08:40
IJF Media Team / International Judo Federation

One of the most dramatic moments in the Paris 2024 Olympics happened during the Mixed Team final, in a match between Hifumi Abe (JPN) and Joan-Benjamin Gaba (FRA). Although their match went into Golden Score, Abe was the dominant of the two. He was attacking more and always looked like he could throw for the big ippon.

There were times when Gaba looked like he would get a third shido. But then, he suddenly pulled something out of the bag: a Heydarov Takedown, the drop kata-guruma/side takedown that Hidayat Heydarov used extensively to win his World title this year. Compare the two. Although Gaba does it to the left and Heydarov to the right, the entry is almost identical. There are other players who like to do this a lot too. Lee Joonhwan (South Korea) is the most notable.

Also other athletes used their textbook throw, Baasankhuu Bavuudorj (MGL) is an expert at the transitional sumi-gaeshi. Here, we see her throwing her opponent off the ground (both her opponent's knees are on the mat at the time). Next, we see her throw her opponent as she gets off the ground and onto her feet.

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