Sakura Motoki won Japan’s sixth wrestling gold medal at the Paris Olympics on August 10, showcasing Japan’s strength in the sport. Competing in the 62 kg final at the Champ de Mars Arena, Motoki defeated Iryna Koliadenko from Ukraine. This victory increased Japan’s total wrestling gold medals, surpassing the five gold medals won at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Motoki displayed impressive skill with precise techniques, including a low single and a leg lace, achieving a 4-1 lead by halftime. In the second period, Motoki continued to dominate, ultimately winning 12-1 by technical superiority. Bronze medals in this weight class were awarded to Aisuluu Tynybekova from Kyrgyzstan and Grace Bullen from Norway.

In other notable wrestling results, Razambek Jamalov of Uzbekistan won the gold medal in the men’s 74 kg category. Jamalov, who had faced multiple surgeries and considered retiring two years ago, managed to secure a win with an early takedown against Japan’s Daichi Takatani, pinning him with just 48 seconds left. Jamalov thanked his coach and family for their support throughout his recovery. Albania’s Chermen Valiev won his country’s first Olympic medal, a bronze, and Kyle Dake from the United States also earned a bronze. In the men’s 125 kg category, Georgia’s Geno Petriashvili edged out Iran’s Amir Hossein Zare to win gold, adding to his collection of previous Olympic medals.