Hyeonji Lee and Inal Tasoev secured gold medals in the over-78kg and over-100kg divisions on the final day of the World Judo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, concluding the individual competition at the Heydar Aliyev Arena.
Baku World Championships Conclude With Heavyweight Gold
The individual competition of the Baku World Judo Championships concluded as the heavyweight categories took center stage in Azerbaijan. Before the final bouts commenced, the International Judo Federation hosted its traditional flag-handover ceremony, passing the organization’s flag from Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan ahead of Astana hosting the 2027 World Championships.
Lee Dominates Over-78kg Division for Historic Title
In the women’s over-78kg category, 19-year-old Hyeonji Lee of South Korea put on an undefeated run to the final, recording an ippon in every single bout. Holding a world bronze medal from the previous year, Lee faced former world champion Romane Dicko of France in the final match. Lee maintained her dominant tempo, securing a waza-ari that transitioned directly into an immobilisation to claim her first world title. IOC member Yael Arad presented the medals to the division’s podium finishers.
I am very grateful to have been able to repay everyone who was cheering for me. It has been a truly special day. — Hyeonji Lee
Tasoev Claims Third World Crown in Over-100kg Final
In the men’s over-100kg tournament, two-time defending world champion Inal Tasoev advanced through the rounds to capture his third career world title. Tasoev met local contender Ushangi Kokauri of Azerbaijan in the final. Despite the backing of the home crowd in Baku, Tasoev delivered a definitive ippon to secure the victory and retain the red back-patch for another year. Azerbaijan Minister of Youth and Sport Farid Gayibov presented the medals for the heavyweight men’s division.
I don’t really like the expression ‘triple world champion.’ I simply became world champion once more and lived those emotions again. — Inal Tasoev
Mixed Team Competition Begins in Baku
Competition at the Baku venue continues with the start of the mixed team tournament, featuring teams composed of three male and three female athletes.
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