The Baku World Judo Championships concluded their individual competition on Sunday with the heavyweight categories taking centre stage in Azerbaijan's capital. The day delivered a blend of emerging talent and established dominance, as Hyeonji Lee captured her first world title and Inal Tasoev cemented his legacy with a third.
Before the finals, a traditional flag-passing ceremony marked the close of the championships. Azerbaijan handed the International Judo Federation flag to Kazakhstan, with Astana set to host the 2027 edition. The symbolic gesture underscored the sport's growing footprint across the continent and beyond.
Lee's breakthrough at +78kg
At 19, Hyeonji Lee arrived in Baku with a World bronze from last year and a point to prove. She stormed through the draw, registering ippon in every contest en route to the final. Her opponent, Romane Dicko of France, was a former world champion and a familiar presence on the podium, seeking to reclaim the title and become a two-time champion.
Dicko had showcased a groundwork masterclass throughout the day, but in the final, Lee's momentum proved unstoppable. The Korean secured a waza-ari that transitioned seamlessly into a hold down, forcing the submission. The victory sealed the biggest title of her career and completed a dominant day. Lee's composed finish signalled the arrival of a new force in the heavyweight division.
IOC Member Ms Yael Arad awarded the medals, recognising a performance that will be remembered in the annals of judo.
Tasoev's third world title
In the +100kg category, reigning double world champion Inal Tasoev was on a mission. He navigated a challenging draw with power and assurance, arriving in the final with another gold firmly in his sights. His opponent, Ushangi Kokauri, carried the hopes of the home crowd, who roared with every exchange, adding both pressure and belief that a home world title was possible.
Tasoev, however, was in imperious form. He delivered a moment of pure judo feeling to score ippon, securing his third world title and retaining the red backpatch for another year. The commanding finish underlined his status as the man to beat in the heavyweight division.
Azerbaijan's Minister of Youth and Sport, Mr Farid Gayibov, awarded the medals, acknowledging Tasoev's exceptional achievement.
The championships also highlighted the breadth of talent across Europe and beyond. Earlier in the week, Grigalashvili claimed a fourth world title, while other athletes made their mark. The event served as a reminder of judo's ability to unite nations under a shared passion.
As the individual competition wraps up, attention turns to the team event, where three men and three women from each nation will combine forces. The team competition promises another day of high-stakes action, with countries vying for collective glory.
For Lee, the victory marks a career-defining moment and sets the stage for future dominance. For Tasoev, it is another chapter in a remarkable career that shows no signs of slowing. And for Baku, the championships will be remembered as a showcase of judo's finest, setting the bar high for Astana in 2027.
