The 2026 Judo World Championships got underway in Baku on Sunday, with Japan's Koga and Azerbaijan's Yusifov claiming the first gold medals of the tournament. The opening day at the National Gymnastics Arena set a high bar for the week ahead, as both athletes delivered commanding performances in their respective weight categories.
Koga's clinical display
Koga, competing in the men's 66kg division, showcased the technical precision that has made him one of the most anticipated judoka of his generation. He moved through the early rounds with composure, then produced a decisive ippon in the final to seal the title. The victory marks a significant milestone in his career, coming just months after he narrowly missed the podium at the continental championships.
His final opponent, a seasoned competitor from Georgia, pushed him hard in the opening exchanges, but Koga's counter-attacking instincts proved decisive. The Japanese judoka's win was met with applause from a knowledgeable Baku crowd, many of whom had stayed to watch the evening session after a full day of contests.
Yusifov delights home crowd
Later in the day, Azerbaijan's own Yusifov delivered the result the home fans had been hoping for. Competing in the men's 73kg category, he rode a wave of support from the stands, converting several waza-ari scores into a controlled final performance. His victory was the first for Azerbaijan at these championships and immediately sparked celebrations across the arena.
Yusifov's path to gold included a hard-fought semi-final against a French opponent, where he showed remarkable resilience after trailing on penalties. In the final, he faced a rising star from Uzbekistan, but Yusifov's experience and tactical discipline proved too much. The 24-year-old, who trains in Baku, dedicated the win to his coaches and the local judo community.
A tournament with European stakes
The championships, which run until the end of the week, are a key qualification event for next year's World Judo Tour and the 2028 Olympic cycle. For European nations, the competition carries added weight as they look to build momentum ahead of the Paris Grand Slam later this autumn. Several European federations have sent full squads, including France, Georgia, and the Netherlands, all of whom are expected to challenge for medals in the heavier categories.
Beyond the sporting drama, the event also highlights Baku's growing role as a host for major international competitions. The city has invested heavily in sports infrastructure over the past decade, and the National Gymnastics Arena has been praised by athletes and officials alike for its facilities and atmosphere. The opening day drew a near-capacity crowd, a sign of the sport's popularity in Azerbaijan.
For those following the broader European sporting calendar, the judo worlds are one of several major events this month. As the continent enjoys an unusually warm October, organisers are also keeping an eye on travel and logistics, with many fans combining the championships with a visit to the Azerbaijani capital. The October travel guide highlights Baku as a recommended destination, and the judo event is likely to boost tourism numbers further.
The tournament continues on Monday with the women's 52kg and 57kg categories, as well as the men's 81kg. European contenders, including Italy's Odette Giuffrida and France's Amandine Buchard, will be in action, and expectations are high for more continental success. The opening day's results have already set a competitive tone, and the coming sessions promise to deliver more high-quality judo.
As the week progresses, attention will also turn to the team events, where European nations have traditionally performed strongly. With the morning bulletin noting the broader context of European sport, the judo worlds are a reminder of the continent's depth in Olympic disciplines. For now, though, the spotlight remains on Baku, where Koga and Yusifov have written their names into the championship's early history.
