Paris 2024: Silver lining for Sandrine Martinet as Paris hails Para judo hero
Silver for Sandrine Martinet Paris-born Para judo star Sandrine Martinet earned a silver medal in the women’s -48kg J2 final at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Even though she didn’t win gold, the crowd cheered loudly for her throughout the match.
Martinet, who is competing in her sixth Paralympic Games, faced a tough opponent, Akmaral Nauatbek from Kazakhstan. Nauatbek, 25, was 16 years younger than Martinet. Despite Martinet’s experience and past successes, Nauatbek won the match with two waza-ari points.
After the match, the crowd gave Martinet a standing ovation. She reflected on her achievement, saying this silver medal was very special to her, especially after overcoming health issues. She’s proud and thankful for the support she received.
Celebrating the Crowd Martinet was warmly supported by the French audience, who chanted her name and waved flags. She fell behind after 48 seconds but fought hard and even had a dramatic comeback in the semi-final against China’s Li Liging, winning in Golden Score.
Gold for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Kazakhstan’s Akmaral Nauatbek enjoyed the crowd’s energy, even though they supported Martinet. Nauatbek felt excited and happy to win gold, noting that Kazakhstan had never had a Paralympic judo champion before.
Uzbekistan’s Sherzod Namozov won his second Para judo gold in the men’s -60kg J2 category. He had previously won gold in Rio 2016. Namozov won the final with a decisive waza-ari against Georgia’s Zurab Zurabiani.
India’s Kapil Parmar and Other Winners India’s Kapil Parmar, ranked No.1 in the -60kg J1 category, lost in the semi-finals but secured a bronze medal by defeating Brazil’s Elieton de Oliveira.
Other gold medal winners on the opening day were Ukraine’s Nataliya Nikolaychyk in the women’s J1 -48kg and China’s Shi Yijie in the women’s J1 -57kg.
