Feature Image: Erik Gruhn
For the host nation of Germany in the FISU World University Games 2025, Helen HABIB’s bronze medal win in the -48kg categroy garnered great attention, and that of Prime Minister, Hendrik Wüst, who enjoyed the sport so much that he extended his visit. He was accompanied by LSB (Landessportbund Nordrhein-Westfalen) President Stefan Klett and Niklas Börger, the Head of Organisation of the FISU World University Games Rhein-Ruhr 2025.
It was the perfect start to the event, where European athletes took five medals altogether, though Asia was the dominant continent with the likes of HUH Mimi (KOR) in the race.
Habib claimed her bronze medal, first scoring with drop seoi nage before applying the pressure and receiving the submission from shime waza. Of course in front of friends, team mates and her family, the crowd roared in celebration, getting the event off to an exciting start.
Rising star of the Spanish Federation, Luis BARROSO LOPEZ (ESP) took the silver medal in the -60kg, losing out to Japan’s FUKUDA Yamato in the final. Nevertheless he gave an impressive performance, representing his University and his nation. Similarly in the -66kg category, Abrek NAGUCHEV (IJF) was forced to settle for silver while Japan added another gold medal to their collection from KENTOKU Kairi.
In the -52kg category, bronze medals went to Tereza BODNAROVA (CZE) and Lea BERES (FRA). Bodnarova had a steep hill to climb after Aydan VALIYEVA (AZE) scored twice against her, however they were only worthy of yuko score, but the Czech athlete trumped her accomplishments with a waza ari scoring ko uchi gari, then in the final second, found her way to the juji gatame submission. Beres was a two and done, first scoring waza ari with a drop seoi nage, then changing up her grip to score again and take the medal with drop morote seoi nage.
Finally, it was the World bronze medallist, GYERTYAS Roza (HUN) who took silver in the -57kg category, defeating tough opponents throughout her day, only to be faced with 2024 World Champion and Olympic silver medallist, Huh. Though it was a best effort delivered, she left Germany with a deserved silver.
Judoka
Author: Thea Cowen