Paris Olympics 2024 Judo: Tulika Maan crashes out after losing Round of 32 encounter to Idalys Ortiz in under a minute
Indian Judoka Tulika Maan has made a disappointing exit from the Paris 2024 Olympics after losing her Round of 32 encounter in under 30 seconds. Tulika was defeated by Cuba's Idalys Ortiz in the women's +78kg division at the Champ-de-Mars Arena Mat 1.
Four-time Olympic medalist, Ortiz, took a mere 28 seconds to win the encounter 10-0 and hand Tulika an exit from the Games. Such was the magnitude of the victory that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Idalys, was handed Ippon to claim victory.
An ippon in Judo immediately ends the match and is awarded for a throw that places the opponent on their back with complete control, good speed and strength. An ippon can also be awarded if a Judoka pins down their opponent for 20 seconds or forces them into submission with a choke or a joint lock.
Just as the encounter between the two began, Idalys showed why she is one of the best in the sport. She did not give her opponent any chance as she put her down on the mat.
Tulika Maan in visible shock after Olympic dream comes crashing down
There was visible shock on Tulika's face as she realized that her Paris 2024 Olympics dream was already over. The Delhi-born Judoka stayed on the ground for a couple of minutes before getting up and leaving the arena heartbroken.
Tulika Maan was India’s lone judo contender participating in the Paris 2024 Olympics. She became the ninth Indian Judoka to compete at the quadrennial event. Idalys Ortiz, on the other hand, is a seasoned campaigner with a gold medal from the 2012 London Olympics as an indicator of her pedigree.
Though the Cuban started the bout as a firm favorite, Tulika and her coaches would have expected a better show from her.
Tulika Maan who won the silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, will have to put the loss behind her and count it as a lesson going forward.