On day of the World Judo Championships 2025, the judo community were greatly anticipating the ABE siblings, wondering if they could return to the World stage to reclaim their 2023 titles.
The -66kg category medal contests will be heavily dominated by Asia, with only one potential medal for Europe coming from Walide KHYAR (FRA). Coming up through the repechage, he will battle Obid DZHEBOV (TJK) for the World bronze medal.
There were huge upsets in this category, with Dzhebov defeating the Olympic and 2023 World Champion, ABE Hifumi (JPN) in the quarter final. It was an unfortunate next stage for Dzhebov as he then took on team mate, Nurali EMOMALI in the semi final but was unable to come out on top.
TAKEOKA Takeshi (JPN) will be competing for the World title once again, last year taking the silver in Abu Dhabi.
Hungary continued with their exciting momentum on day two of the World Judo Championships 2025 in Budapest, with GYERTYAS Roza (HUN) taking her place in the bronze medal contest after defeating Kelly DEGUCHI (CAN) in the repechage. Unfortunately for PUPP Reka (HUN), she was unable to find her way to success against OMORI Kisumi (JPN) and settles for a 7th place finish.
Mascha BALLHAUS (GER) couldn’t take the semi final win against ABE Uta in the -52kg category, and now she will take on Omori for the bronze. However Europe are guaranteed a place in the final.
Distria KRASNIQI (KOS) and Ariane TORO SOLER (ESP) went head to head on the adjoining tatami to decide who would fight for gold against Abe. It was an unfortunate way to lose a semi final, but Toro simply didn’t have the physical edge against Krasniqi and ceded the contest with three shidos for defensive posture and ducking under the sleeve. It was still a great celebration for Krasniqi, but she will be looking forward to this final against Abe. She was disappointed in the Olympic Games after a tremendous amount of preparation, but now she has the opportunity against the 2023 World Champion.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen