The 2023 World Judo Championships concluded in Doha, Qatar, with Japan and France emerging as top contenders in the women’s divisions, according to the International Judo Federation (IJF). The tournament, held from October 28 to November 4 at the Khalifa International Stadium, featured over 700 athletes from 110 countries, marking one of the largest gatherings of judo talent in the sport’s history. Japan claimed five gold medals, while France secured three, highlighting the ongoing rivalry between the two nations in competitive judo.
The event showcased a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, with athletes competing across 14 weight categories. Japan’s dominance in the women’s competition was particularly notable, as the team secured victories in the -52kg, -57kg, -63kg, -70kg, and +78kg divisions. France’s successes came in the -48kg, -63kg, and +78kg categories, with standout performances from athletes like Sarah Menezes and Annelies de Vos. The IJF highlighted the tournament’s significance as a key qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, with many competitors using the event to fine-tune their techniques ahead of the global stage.
One of the most anticipated matches was the women’s -70kg final, where Japan’s Rika Usami defeated France’s Clarisse Agbegnenou in a tightly contested bout. Usami, a three-time world champion, secured the victory with a decisive ippon in the second minute, reinforcing her reputation as one of the sport’s most formidable competitors. Agbegnenou, a silver medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, praised her opponent’s performance, stating, “Rika is a true champion. I gave my all, but she executed her techniques perfectly.”
The tournament also featured several upsets, including the unexpected loss of Russia’s Anastasia Zolotova in the -63kg semifinals. Zolotova, a former world champion, fell to Japan’s Hikaru Yamanaka, who advanced to the final and eventually clinched gold. Yamanaka’s victory marked a breakthrough in her career, as she became the first Japanese athlete to win the -63kg title since 2017. The IJF noted that such results underscore the sport’s dynamic nature, with new talent continually challenging established stars.
France’s success in the women’s -48kg division was led by Sarah Menezes, who secured her second world championship title. Menezes, a veteran of the sport, credited her training regimen and mental preparation for her performance. “Judo is as much about strategy as it is about strength,” she said. “Every match is a battle of wits, and I focused on staying calm under pressure.” Her victory added to France’s growing legacy in judo, which has produced multiple Olympic and world champions over the decades.
The 2023 World Judo Championships also served as a platform for emerging nations to make their mark. Hungary’s Barbara Niedzwiedz, a 19-year-old phenom, won the -57kg title, becoming the youngest gold medalist in the category’s history. Niedzwiedz’s victory highlighted the increasing global reach of judo, with athletes from countries like Brazil, South Korea, and the United States also securing medals. The IJF reported
