The -100 kg final block brought together a world-class line-up that perfectly captured the intensity of the category throughout the day. Milan Bulaja (SRB), the world number one and top seed, maintained his dominance to reach the final, where he faced Shokei Hirano (JPN), whose technical precision and calm execution had guided him steadily through the elimination rounds.
Final, Milan Bulaja (SRB) vs Shokei Hirano (JPN)
The bronze medal contests also promised compelling clashes between different schools of judo. Askar Birzhanov (KAZ) met Mukhammadali Zoirov (UZB) in a Central Asian duel featuring explosive techniques and tight gripping, while Anton Fedin (IJF) faced Lazar Zdrale (SRB), the surprise semi-finalist who had impressed with his composure and tactical maturity.
Junior world champion, Milan Bulaja (SRB)
With Japan, Serbia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan all represented, the final block was set to deliver a spectacular close to the men’s individual events.
Milan Bulaja (SRB) vs Shokei Hirano (JPN)
It was a tactical final, with few openings on either side, but Bulaja found one, a perfectly timed sode-tsuri-komi-goshi scored for waza-ari, enough to secure Serbia’s gold medal.
Bronze medal contest, Anton Fedin (IJF) vs Lazar Zdrale (SRB)
Anton Fedin (IJF) vs Lazar Zdrale (SRB)
Zdrale struck first with a clean sode-tsuri-komi-goshi for waza-ari. Fedin tried to rally back but couldn’t break through the Serbian’s defence, giving Lazar Zdrale his well-deserved bronze, the third medal for Serbia in Lima, before the fourth one after the final.
Bronze medal contest, Askar Birzhanov (KAZ) vs Mukhammadali Zoirov (UZB)
Askar Birzhanov (KAZ) vs Mukhammadali Zoirov (UZB)
After conceding two penalties for false attacks, Zoirov was under heavy pressure, but he produced brilliance when it mattered most. A spectacular uchi-mata launched his opponent cleanly for ippon, earning a bronze medal for Uzbekistan in style.
Medals, cheques and flowers were presented by Mrs Louisa Agius Galea, IJF Logistics Director, and Mr Gilberto Garcia, Vice President of the Panamerican Judo Confederation & President of the Dominican Republic Judo Federation
