Kazakhstan's Yeldos Smetov triumphed in the men's judo under 60kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics, securing the gold medal with a victory over France's Luka Mkheidze, who took silver. Smetov, who previously won silver in Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo 2020, outperformed both athletes in their past Olympic appearances. Meanwhile, Russian officials, including the Foreign Ministry and the Orthodox Church, criticized the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, citing the event's extravagant nature and perceived mockery of Christian symbols amid ongoing international tensions stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and anti-LGBT policies. The opening ceremony faced harsh commentary, with claims it represented a cultural betrayal of Christian values. Despite these criticisms, the Olympic Games continue to unfold, showcasing global athletic achievements.