The final day of individual competition at the 2025 World Judo Championships in Budapest on June 19 showcased unforgettable moments, with South Korea’s Hayun Kim claiming historic gold in the women’s +78kg category and Inal Tasoev securing victory in the men’s heavyweight division.
Kim, the Republic of Korea’s Olympic bronze medallist, fought her way through a challenging draw. Seeded fourth, she defeated Japan’s Ruri Takahashi before overcoming compatriot Hyeonji Lee. In the semifinals, Kim faced France’s Romane Dicko—two-time Olympic medallist and a pre-event favourite. After accumulating two penalties, Dicko received a decisive third just 38 seconds into golden score overtime, ending her bid for a second world title abruptly.
On the opposite side, Japan’s Mao Arai advanced following the early exit of Paris 2024 Olympic champion Beatriz Souza, who struggled to find rhythm in the competition.
Having previously finished fifth in 2022 and 2023 and third in 2024, Kim’s rise to gold in Hungary was a landmark achievement. She edged out Arai in a tactical final to become the first Korean woman to win world gold in this weight division.
“I’m so happy to win my first World Championship gold medal,” Kim said after the victory. “Especially after finishing fifth and third previously. I’ve faced Arai several times and often lost by osaekomi [pin], so this time I focused on preventing that.”
With the world title now secured, Kim’s sights are set firmly on Olympic glory. “This motivates me even more. My ultimate goal is Olympic gold. If I keep working hard, I believe my dream will come true.”
The two bronze medals were decided in contrasting bouts. Lee bounced back with a skillful foot sweep to defeat Dutch judoka Marit Kamps. Meanwhile, the experienced Dicko faced Estonia’s teenage sensation Emma-Melis Aktas in a gripping contest. Despite a strong effort from Aktas, Dicko’s resilience secured her third World Championship medal.
Tasoev Dominates Heavyweight Clash
The men’s heavyweight final delivered a thrilling showdown between two titans. Georgia’s Guram Tushishvili, 2018 world champion and 2024 silver medallist, squared off against 2023 world champion Inal Tasoev in a battle that captured the audience’s imagination.
Tasoev started aggressively but saw his attack reversed midway, conceding a yuko score. Igniting his competitive fire, Tasoev soon countered with a sweeping waza-ari that shifted momentum decisively. Despite Tushishvili’s relentless pursuit, Tasoev held firm to claim victory as the buzzer sounded.
In the bronze medal contests, Tajikistan’s Olympic bronze medallist Temur Rakhimov earned his first senior world medal, marking a significant breakthrough. South Korea’s Minjong Kim, Olympic silver medallist and 2024 world champion, secured the second bronze, adding to his growing list of accolades.
The medal ceremony was graced by judo legends Teddy Riner, five-time Olympic gold medallist, and David Douillet, double Olympic champion, underscoring the prestige of the event.
Over 14 world champions were crowned in Budapest, with athletes from 20 nations sharing the podium. Japan topped the medal table with six golds, but the results affirmed judo’s truly global reach.
As the individual events conclude, attention now turns to the mixed team competition on June 20, offering nations one final opportunity to claim glory at the 2025 World Judo Championships.
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