Day three of the 2026 Judo World Championships in Baku delivered a double dose of Japanese success, as Akari Omori and Ryuga Tanaka both claimed their first world titles in front of a packed National Gymnastics Arena.
Omori, competing at -57kg, produced a composed and aggressive display throughout the preliminary rounds, showing particular danger both on the feet and on the ground. Her toughest test before the final came against compatriot Momo Tamaoki, a victory that set up a showdown with reigning world champion Eteri Liparteliani of Georgia.
The final was a tense affair that stretched into golden score. Omori, who had already demonstrated her ground skills earlier in the day, managed to turn over the defending champion and hold her down for the decisive score. It was a statement win for the 24-year-old, who had never previously reached a world final.
Liparteliani, who had lit up the arena with some of the day's most spectacular throws, had to settle for silver. The Georgian remains a formidable force in the category, but on this occasion Omori's patience and precision proved decisive.
The medals at -57kg were presented by Simon Benhamou, CEO of CBH Bank, which has signed a sponsorship agreement with the International Judo Federation. The partnership was announced earlier in the day, alongside a memorandum of understanding between the IJF's General Treasurer, Dr Naser Al Tamimi, and the International Police Sports Union, represented by its Secretary General Gonzalo Londono.
Tanaka edges a tight final at -73kg
In the men's -73kg category, Ryuga Tanaka faced a difficult draw but navigated it with composure. After overcoming the top seed, a waza-ari in the semi-final put him within reach of gold. His opponent in the final was world number three Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov of the United Arab Emirates, who had looked impressive in the preliminaries and was chasing his first world title after taking bronze in previous editions.
The final was a closely contested battle, with both men cancelling each other out for much of the contest. The decisive moment came when Tanaka launched a driving ouchi-gari that took Makhmadbekov to the mat for a yuko score. That single point proved enough to secure the victory and complete Japan's double triumph on day three.
Tanaka's win was all the more notable given the strength of the field. The -73kg category is one of the most competitive in judo, and to come through it unbeaten marks him as a serious contender for future major titles.
The medals at -73kg were presented by Dr Naser Al Tamimi, the IJF's General Treasurer.
With two new world champions crowned, Japan has now claimed three golds in Baku, following the successes of Koga and Yusifov on the opening day. The championships continue tomorrow with day four, and the competition is expected to intensify as more categories reach their finals.
For European judo fans, the results offer a mix of disappointment and promise. Georgia's Liparteliani remains a leading figure in her weight class, while several European contenders are still in the hunt in the remaining days. The event also serves as a reminder of the sport's global reach, with the IJF's new sponsorship and cooperation agreements underscoring its growing commercial and institutional footprint.
As the arena prepares for another day of action, the focus will shift to the remaining weight categories, with European hopes resting on athletes from France, the Netherlands, and other nations. The championships in Baku have already produced memorable moments, and day four promises more.
