Nagase Suffers Shocking Defeat by Unconsciousness in Comeback Match
FUKUOKA, Japan – Takanori Nagase, 31, suffered a stunning first-round defeat at the All-Japan Selected Weight Class Judo Championships on Saturday, losing by unconsciousness in his first competition since winning gold at the Paris Olympics last summer.
Golden Score Ends in Disappointment for Olympic Champion
Nagase, competing in the 81kg class, faced Daigo Takeichi in the opening round. after a grueling golden score period, Nagase was caught in a sending collar strangle and lost consciousness, resulting in a submission defeat.
“That was the first time I’ve ever blacked out in a match,” Nagase admitted, acknowledging the impact of fatigue in the extended bout.
Eight-Month Hiatus Takes Its Toll
The loss marked a difficult return for Nagase, who had been away from competition for approximately eight months following his Olympic triumph.”Being away from real matches, there was definitely a difference in feeling,” he conceded.
National Team Coach Shows Support Amidst Disappointment
Despite the disappointing result, Japan’s men’s national team coach, Keiji Suzuki, 44, praised Nagase’s willingness to compete. “It’s grate that he came out here. There are players who would have taken time off, but I’m happy that he challenged himself at this tournament,” Suzuki said.
However, Suzuki acknowledged the high expectations placed on a champion. “It is the champion’s responsibility to beat the players who are challenging for the top. Looking at it strictly, I wanted him to win decisively.It’s very difficult to be a champion when you don’t have a clear goal. All we can do is watch over him.”
How did the national team coach balance support for Nagase with expectations of a champion?
Nagase Suffers Shocking Defeat by Unconsciousness in Comeback match
FUKUOKA, Japan – Takanori Nagase, 31, suffered a stunning first-round defeat at the all-Japan Selected Weight class Judo Championships on Saturday, losing by unconsciousness in his first competition since winning gold at the Paris Olympics last summer.
Golden Score Ends in Disappointment for Olympic Champion
Nagase, competing in the 81kg class, faced Daigo Takeichi in the opening round. after a grueling golden score period, Nagase was caught in a sending collar strangle and lost consciousness, resulting in a submission defeat.
“That was the first time I’ve ever blacked out in a match,” Nagase admitted, acknowledging the impact of fatigue in the extended bout.
Eight-Month Hiatus Takes Its Toll
The loss marked a difficult return for Nagase, who had been away from competition for approximately eight months following his Olympic triumph.”Being away from real matches, there was definitely a difference in feeling,” he conceded.
National Team Coach Shows Support Amidst Disappointment
Despite the disappointing result, Japan’s men’s national team coach, Keiji Suzuki, 44, praised Nagase’s willingness to compete. “It’s grate that he came out here. There are players who would have taken time off, but I’m happy that he challenged himself at this tournament,” Suzuki said.
However, Suzuki acknowledged the high expectations placed on a champion. “It is the champion’s responsibility to beat the players who are challenging for the top.Looking at it strictly, I wanted him to win decisively.It’s very difficult to be a champion when you don’t have a clear goal. All we can do is watch over him.”
Q&A: Nagase’s Shocking Defeat
Q: Who is Takanori Nagase?
A: Takanori Nagase is a 31-year-old Japanese judoka and olympic gold medalist in the 81kg weight class. He won gold at the paris Olympics and is a highly respected athlete.
Q: What happened in nagase’s comeback match?
A: Nagase lost in the first round of the All-Japan Selected Weight Class Judo Championships. He was defeated by Daigo Takeichi, losing by unconsciousness due to a sending collar strangle during the golden score period.
Q: What is “golden score” in Judo?
A: Golden score is an overtime period in Judo. The first athlete to score (e.g.,with a throw,pin,or submission) wins the match.
Q: What is a “sending collar strangle“?
A: It is a type of chokehold where the attacker uses their hands to apply pressure to the opponent’s neck, restricting blood flow and causing loss of consciousness if not released.
Q: Why was this defeat considered shocking?
A: Nagase is a champion, and this was his first match after an eight-month hiatus following his Olympic win. His loss, especially by submission, was unexpected.
Q: What did Nagase say about the defeat?
A: He admitted it was the first time he had ever blacked out in a match, acknowledging the impact of fatigue from a long match.
Q: What did the national team coach say?
A: Keiji Suzuki praised Nagase’s willingness to compete but also acknowledged the high expectations placed on a champion. He conveyed a desire for Nagase to win decisively, but indicated support for nagase’s willingness to compete.
Q: What can fans expect from Nagase moving forward?
A: Only time will tell. It’s critically important for fans to remember that even champions experience setbacks. Nagase’s long hiatus likely played a role and hopefully he’ll use this match as motivation to return to form.
Nagase’s defeat highlights the challenges of returning to elite competition. Let’s keep cheering for Nagase’s comeback journey!
