Kazakh Judoka Smetov Clinches First Olympic Gold in Paris

Kazakh judoka Yeldos Smetov triumphed in the first men's judo competition of the Summer Olympics 2024, held in Paris. 

On Saturday, Smetov clinched the gold medal in the 60-kg category by defeating France's Luka Mkheidze in the decisive round. Japan's Ryuju Nagayama and Spain's Francisco Garrigos secured the bronze medals in this category. 

This victory marks Smetov’s third Olympic medal. He previously won silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Smetov has been a leading figure in judo for almost a decade, with a significant achievement being his victory at the 2015 World Championships, just a year before his Olympic debut.

Smetov's gold medal in Paris is Kazakhstan's first at these Olympic Games. He expressed his gratitude to the Kazakh people for their unwavering support, calling this win "a historic moment" for the nation.

On his official X account, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Smetov, praising his skill and determination.

“Thanks to his skill and strength of spirit, the flag of Kazakhstan is flying high,” Tokayev wrote. “Yeldos became the best in the world in the struggle with the strongest rivals, having won the main competitions of four years. The whole country admires you.”