Qatar: Last day of World Judo Championships: gold medal for Japan in mixed team competition

On Sunday it was time. Local and international judo fans flocked to the ABHA Arena on the final day of the World Judo Championships in the Qatari capital of Doha. The mixed teams competition took place there.

There was action all week long with an incredible supporting program of local culture and true judo values. The IJF also supported a refugee team at the tournament.

At every Mixed Team World Championship, judo giant Japan has been in the final, and since 2018 the Japanese have met the strong French every time. Japan definitely wanted to keep first place.

But the French were determined. With a brilliant team, they worked hard throughout the preliminary round and secured a place in a dream final with Japan.

In the final, France took an early lead – Joan-Benjamin Gaba scored a big ippon against Soichi Hashimoto to the delight of the crowd and Margaux Pinot forced World Champion Saki Niizoe to resign. France was now 2 points ahead.

Japan’s Tajima Goki scored a great waza-ari that kept his team’s hopes alive and delighted the crowd.

Coralie Haymé increased the score for France again. But Saito Tatsuru did the same for Japan.

Sarah-Leonie Cysique led her fight with an early Waza-ari and it looked like France would take the title, but Haruka Funakubo thwarted them. She held Cysique down, leaving Japan and France tied at a score of 3-3.

The draw was a matter of luck. Margaux Pinot fought Niiozoe Saki for the World Mixed Team title. Team Japan secured the gold medal with a tactical victory in the Golden Score.

The President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Sheikh Joaan Al Thani, presents the gold trophy. IJF President Marius Vizer presents the gold medals.

“When we drew the categories, I kind of knew it would be in the under 70KG class, so I was ready,” said Niizoe Saki. Judoka Tatsuru Saito also commented on the moment when he stuck confetti in his face for fun: “I was joking. I’m just a kid at heart.”

There was so much friendship, honor and respect to watch. Mixed team competition would not work without the values ​​of judo. The 2023 World Judo Championships have come to an exciting conclusion in Doha, Qatar.