Sakura Motoki secured Japan’s sixth wrestling gold medal at the Paris Olympics on August 10, reinforcing the country’s dominance in the sport at the Champ de Mars Arena. In the 62 kg final, Motoki triumphed over Ukraine’s Iryna Koliadenko, extending Japan’s lead in the wrestling medal tally and surpassing the five golds achieved at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago. Motoki’s performance was marked by a series of precise techniques, including a low single and a leg lace that brought her to a 4-1 lead at the break. She continued to dominate in the second period, eventually winning 12-1 by technical superiority. Kyrgyzstan’s Aisuluu Tynybekova and Norway’s Grace Bullen took home bronze medals in the same category.

In other notable events, Uzbekistan’s Razambek Jamalov won the men’s 74 kg gold medal, a significant achievement after battling through several surgeries. Jamalov, who had considered retirement two years ago, secured an early takedown against Japan’s Daichi Takatani and pinned him with 48 seconds remaining in the period. Jamalov expressed gratitude to his coach and family for their support, which encouraged him to continue his career despite physical challenges. Additionally, Albania’s Chermen Valiev won his country’s first Olympic medal with a bronze, while Kyle Dake of the United States also claimed a bronze. In the men’s 125 kg category, Georgia’s Geno Petriashvili narrowly defeated Iran’s Amir Hossein Zare to win gold, adding to his previous Olympic silver and bronze medals.