Belgian judoka Matthias Casse confirmed his participation in the World Judo Championships in Baku after passing a crucial fitness test on Saturday in training. The current world number ten in the under-81kg category had listed the weekend session as his final opportunity to prove his fitness following a rib injury sustained a week prior.
Matthias Casse Clears Final Fitness Hurdle in Training
The decisive training session on Saturday served as the final assessment for the 2021 world champion, who received an accidental knee to the ribs during a prior workout. During a press conference on Tuesday, Casse characterized his chances of competing in Azerbaijan as a fifty-fifty proposition while outlining his criteria for making the trip. The judoka stated that if the Saturday test did not function properly, there would be no point in holding illusions about traveling to Baku.
Championship Record and Season Performance in the Under-81kg Division
Casse enters the upcoming competition set to appear in his eighth world championships. Beyond his gold medal performance in Budapest in 2021, the Mortsel native captured silver medals at the global tournament in 2019, 2022, and 2023, alongside a seventh-place finish last year. Earlier this season, Casse secured a fifth-place finish at the European Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, narrowly missing a spot on the podium.
Confidence and Ambitions Ahead of the Baku Competition
Despite the physical setback, Casse maintained an uncompromising stance regarding his competitive mindset during Tuesday’s media availability. The athlete promised to do everything possible to win should his participation be confirmed. Casse emphasized that he feels full of confidence, noting that his physical sensations were very strong before the injury occurred. He added that he is not someone who settles for merely participating, affirming that he travels to the tournament solely to win.
Casse Seeks Second World Title in Baku
The competition in Baku represents the latest major checkpoint for the under-81kg contender as he seeks to add a second world title to his career resume. Casse’s prior silver medal finishes establish him among the performers in his weight class heading into the global gathering.
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