London Olympic bronze medalist Masashi Ebinuma will face local favorite Charles Chibana of Brazil in his first match when he makes his bid for a gold medal in the men's 66-kg class at the judo competition at the Rio Summer Olympics.
The International Judo Federation announced on Thursday the draw for the seven-day tournament kicking off Saturday at Carioca Arena in Rio de Janeiro's Barra da Tijuca.
For Japanese judoka trying to regain their dominance at the top of the medals table after an abysmal performance at the 2012 London Games, the draw was particularly tough on Ebinuma and compatriot Ami Kondo, who is making her Olympic debut, in the women's 48-kg category.