Japan loses gold medal to France in judo mixed team event

Japan's hopes of claiming the gold medal in judo's mixed team event at the Paris Olympic Games were dashed by France, who triumphed to secure their second consecutive gold in this event. This match was a dramatic rematch of the final from the Tokyo Games three years ago, where France also emerged victorious. 

The Japanese and French teams, each consisting of six athletes from three men's and three women's weight classes, faced intense competition. The final match of the judo event on Saturday was a spectacle of skill and determination.

Japan took an early lead with Murao Sanshiro's ippon victory in the men's 90-kilogram class. Building on this momentum, Takayama Rika secured a waza-ari win in the women's over 70-kilogram class, pushing Japan to a 2-point lead. However, France's judo icon Teddy Riner quickly closed the gap by defeating Saito Tatsuru in the men's over 90-kilogram class.

Japan's Tsunoda Natsumi extended the lead by winning her bout in the women's 57-kilogram class with an ippon. The excitement continued as France's hopes were kept alive when Abe Hifumi, Japan's Olympic gold medalist, was defeated by ippon in the men's 73-kilogram class. The score was tied when Japan's Takaichi Miku lost her match in the women's 70-kilogram class.

With the score even at 3-3, the golden score rule came into play, adding to the high-stakes atmosphere. The deciding bout, chosen by lottery, was set in the men's over 90-kilogram class. In a tense and thrilling match, Teddy Riner once again faced Saito Tatsuru and secured victory for France, clinching the gold medal.

This win marked France's second consecutive triumph in the mixed team event, following their success at the Tokyo Games. Meanwhile, Japan had to settle for silver. Brazil and South Korea both performed admirably, each taking home a bronze medal. The event highlighted the skill, strength, and spirit of judo, showcasing the sport's intense and competitive nature on the world stage.