The host nation, Hungary, set the tone on the opening day of the World Judo Championships 2025. SZELECZKI Szabina had her greatest performance to date, first defeating Eva PEREZ SOLER (ESP) who eliminated Szeleczki in the opening round of the European Championships in April. Not only did she take revenge but she then went on to win her second round against two-time European silver medallist and Olympic 5th place, Catarina COSTA (POR). Though she didn’t make it a hat-trick, losing out in round three, it was a perfect World Championship debut for the 19 year-old moving forward on the IJF World Judo Tour.
The Spanish judoka is physically extremely strong. Scoring too early definitely made me nervous but I knew that from that moment onwards, I needed to focus on tactics and follow the plan. Winning against the Spanish judoka 100% contributed to my confidence when I faced the Portuguese opponent. During the second fight, I felt as if I was even with her, and I still haven’t processed the fact that I beat her.
For the men, the good luck and fierce competition continued, both FECZKO Csanad and ANDRASI Marton in the -60kg category took on major players in the game and conquered.
Andrasi was first to take his place in a quarter final, defeating the defending World Champion, Giorgi SARDALASHVILI (GEO) in the most devastating fashion, a yuko score on the buzzer with ko uchi gake. Of course, Sardalashvili protested but once the commission checked, they confirmed the unthinkable for the Georgian team, a win for Andrasi, and an exit for Sardalashvili with no hope of a medal.
On the adjoining tatami, Olympic silver medallist, Luka MKHEIDZE (FRA) suffered a grander fate. Interestingly, despite two Olympic medals and a continental title, the 2025 Tbilisi Grand Slam winner has never taken a podium position in a World Championship event, and adds 2025 to that list thanks to Feczko. In a dynamic head to head, Mkheidze put in an attack against the direction of momentum and Feczko seized the opportunity to counter, pulling him backwards out of the attack to score ippon, and sending the top sed out of the event.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen