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.

With Japan, Serbia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan all represented, the final block was set to deliver a spectacular close to the men’s individual events.

Final

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 which scored waza-ari, enough to secure Serbia’s gold medal.

Bronze medal contests

Anton Fedin (IJF) vs Lazar Zdrale (SRB)

Zdrale struck first with a clean sode-tsuri-komi-goshi for waza-ari. Fedin tried to rally but couldn’t break through the Serbian’s defences, giving Lazar Zdrale his well-deserved bronze, the third medal for Serbia in Lima, before the guaranteed fourth one from the final.

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.