Zulu disqualified in Judo, becomes first Zambian athlete to be eliminated from Paris 2024 Olympics

Team Zambia Judo athlete, Simon Zulu, became the first Zambian to be eliminated from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Zulu was disqualified in his contest against Jin-Won Kim of South Korea.

According to the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) Facebook page, Judo Coach Humphrey Nyirenda described the match as tough but noted that the rules were clear.

“He was disqualified for using his head in attack or defense, which is grounds for immediate disqualification to protect the athlete.”

Reflecting on the way forward, Nyirenda said they will return to the drawing board, focusing on upcoming international tournaments and preparing for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

“We get back on the tatami with a focus on the next competitions and the next Olympic cycle.”

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