Tournoi de Paris 1996 – 30 Jahre danach: Japan dominierte die Tatami

Exactly 30 years ago, the 1996 Tournoi de Paris made headlines: Japan collected six gold medals and presented a team that was already shaping the future of the sport back then. Paris was then – as it is today – one of the most important stages in international judo, a tournament that meant more than just a medal. Among the winners were Yukimasa Nakamura (U65kg), Kenzo Nakamura (U71kg) and heavyweight Naoya Ogawa. Kenzo Nakamura defeated Christophe Gagliano in the final, laying an important foundation for his later career. European successes also stood out: Paweł Nastula (Poland) won gold and confirmed his role as one of the strongest Europeans of that era; Rafał Kubacki faced Ogawa in the heavyweight final. Other European names on the winners' list included Johanna Hagn (Germany), Adrian Croitoru (Romania) and the Dutch finalist Karin Kienhuis. The hosts celebrated three gold medals (including Franck Chambilly, Darcel Yandzi, Isabelle Beauruelle). On the women's mats, Noriko Narazaki, Noriko Mizoguchi and Yoko Tanabe shone. The tournament was a highlight of a decade of transitions – a weekend where many future legends appeared together.