The World Judo Championships in Baku concluded with a powerful demonstration of unity as Japan reclaimed the mixed team world title, marking their eighth gold medal in the competition. The tournament served as more than a quest for medals, emphasizing the team spirit and collective effort required as athletes fought for one another.
Japan’s path to the title began in the semi-finals against the People's Republic of China, where UCHIMURA secured an early lead. The momentum continued as double world champion MURAO earned an ippon, followed by ARAI, who executed a precise turnover to solidify Japan's position in the final after last year's bronze finish.
The opposing semi-final featured a tense battle between Uzbekistan and the Russian Federation. An early ippon by AHADOV gave Uzbekistan an initial advantage, but LISHCHENKO leveled the score with a yuko. Despite MURTOZOEV putting Uzbekistan ahead 2-1, a forced submission by RECHKALOVA tied the match at 2-2. TASOEV then scored significantly to shift the lead back, but AMINOVA equalized the contest at 3-3, forcing a Golden Score round. In the decisive +90kg match, TASOEV secured an ippon for the second time, propelling his team into their first-ever mixed team final.
In the final showdown, Japan established an early lead when TANAKA Shiho secured a yuko. MURAO Sanshiro maintained that momentum to bring the score to 2-0, and Mao ARAI extended the advantage to 3-0. While Tamerlan BASHAEV managed to secure a win for his team, OMORI Akari ultimately clinched the title for Japan.
The gold trophy was presented by International Judo Federation President Mr. Marius VIZER, while the silver was awarded by Harvest Group CEO Mr. Almaz Alsenov. Bronze trophies were presented by International Judo Federation Vice Presidents Dr. Laszlo Toth and Obaid Al Anzi.
An early ippon from AHADOV put Uzbekistan in the lead. LISHCHENKO evened the score with a yuko. MURTOZOEV took the score 2 – 1. But RECHKALOVA forced a submission. 2 – 2.
TASOEV scored big, sending his team into the lead. AMINOVA equalised to 3 – 3, forcing a Golden Score contest. +90kg was drawn!
