Cuban judoka fell short of expectations in Paris 2024

 PARIS, France, Jul 31 (ACN) Cuban Ivan Silva (90 kg) disappointed in his debut in the individual judo tournament of the 2024 Olympic Games, losing by Ippon―resulting from three Shido―to Erlan Sherov, from Kyrgyzstan.

It is true that his rival is a 2024 world bronze medalist and fourth in the ranking, but Silva, was second in 2018 world championship and competed in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2024, not to mention that he is currently tenth in the world ranking.

In statements to the press, Silva acknowledged that he failed to respond to Sherov’s strategy and attacks, good enough to take the initiative and force the referee to decide the bout for passivity in favor of the Kyrgyzstani.

“We studied him and he studied us. He also beat me last year in a masters’ tournament,” the Cuban remarked.

This was Cuban judo’s second setback in the individual tournament, as Maylín del Toro (63 kg) also lost in her first appearance.