IRELAND’S Ben Fletcher fell to defeat in Judo at the hands of Uzbekistans’ Mukhammadkarim Khurramov.
The 29 year old did well in the match but ultimately failed to win his round of 32 fight.
The Irishman who battled off injury to make it to the Olympics in Tokyo persevered and recovered from a broken leg on route to the games. However, Khurramov completed his win with a Waza-ari within the first few minutes to move on in the tournament.
Fletcher who used to represent Britain qualified to represent Ireland through his mother who is a Limerick native. Born in Reading had represented his homeland in the 2016 Olympics and 2011 World Junior Championships.
Following his heart breaking loss, Fletcher reflected on his elimination from the games.
“Mum is from Bruff in Limerick. We still have plenty of family in Limerick and in Dublin. I may not have the accent but I’m proud to represent them.
In 2017 Fletcher changed allegiances to Ireland going forward in the sport. He went onto win a title in the same year by claiming the Hong Kong Asia Open in the 100kg wight class.
In 2018 Fletcher would make history as the first Judoka representing Ireland to win a IJF World Judo Tour.
The lack of training and solid preparation due to injury hampered the 29 year olds chances of succeeding and had achieved success to just compete in the games alone, even without going all the way to a medal.
“I’ve loved every minute of it. Team Ireland have been so good to me, couldn’t have had better support. All my family have been so proud of us getting here and I couldn’t be more proud.”
His older sister Megan competed in the women’s 70kg event a day earlier, also falling to defeat.
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