The 2026 World Judo Championships opened in Baku with two finals that delivered drama, skill, and a home triumph that will be remembered long after the tatami is rolled up. Japan's Wakana Koga and Azerbaijan's Ahmad Yusifov both claimed their first world titles, setting the tone for a championship that promises more fireworks.
Koga breaks through at -48kg
In the women's -48kg category, Italy's Assunta Scutto reached her third consecutive world final, a remarkable run of consistency that had already earned her one gold. Standing in her way was Japan's Wakana Koga, who had previously collected bronze and silver at world level but was still chasing the top step of the podium.
Koga had looked sharp all day, dispatching opponents with a blend of patience and precision. Her momentum carried into the final, where she faced a Scutto who was equally determined to add a second world title to her collection. The contest was tense, with both judoka cancelling each other out in the opening exchanges. But Koga found her opening on the ground, converting a decisive opportunity with the calm of a seasoned competitor. The victory sparked emotional scenes as the Japanese star finally secured the gold that had eluded her.
Medals were presented by Mr Azer Aliyev, Secretary General of the Azerbaijan National Olympic Committee.
Yusifov delivers for the home crowd
The men's -60kg final was always going to be special. Ahmad Yusifov, competing in his first world final on home soil, carried the hopes of a passionate Baku audience. His opponent, Kazakhstan's Sherzod Davlatov, was also making his debut at this stage and had looked composed and dangerous throughout the day.
The final lived up to its billing. Davlatov struck first, taking a score that silenced parts of the arena. But Yusifov, feeding off the energy of the crowd, responded with a determined comeback. He levelled the contest and then produced the decisive score that sent the Baku faithful into raptures. The celebrations were loud and long, a fitting reward for a judoka who had risen to the occasion when it mattered most.
International Judo Federation Executive Committee member Mr Timur Kemell presented the medals.
The opening day in Baku has set a high bar for the rest of the championships. With Koga's breakthrough and Yusifov's emotional victory, the red back patch—the mark of a world champion—has found two new owners. As the competition continues, the focus will shift to the heavier categories, but the memories of this first day will linger.
For European judo fans, the results also offer a glimpse of the continent's depth. Scutto's silver adds to Italy's growing medal tally in recent years, while Yusifov's gold reinforces Azerbaijan's status as a rising force in the sport. The championships, held in the capital of a country that straddles Europe and Asia, are a reminder of judo's global reach—and its ability to unite crowds in celebration.
