Gjakova’s extraordinary 16-minute battle with Georgian legend

Akil Gjakova fought an extraordinary 16-minute battle with judo legend Lasha Shavdatiashvili of Georgia.

After a titanic and highly entertaining contest, the Georgian secured victory in the 17th minute. Two of the best in the under-73-kilogram category faced off in the quarterfinals of the European Championships in Podgorica. Akil now continues in the repechage.

The bout with Lasha was very intense and challenging. The two judoka expended a great deal of energy and could barely stay on their feet in the final minutes.

A judo bout lasts 4 minutes, followed by extra time. It is rare for a bout to last 10 minutes.