Judo 2026 World Championships: Koga and Yusifov Strike Gold on Opening Day in Baku

Welcome to Baku, Azerbaijan, where new legends will rise to claim their red back patches at the Baku World Judo Championships 2026.

At -48kg, Italy's Assunta SCUTTO claimed her place in the final for the third time in a row with impressive judo all morning. Her third time in a World final, but could she take the gold for a second time?

Meeting her there was Japan's KOGA Wakana . The Japanese judoka was in fantastic form, with high quality judo throughout the day. KOGA already has a World bronze and silver, would this be the year to claim the missing gold? With every contest, she looked increasingly assured, carrying real momentum into the final.

In the final the two experienced judoka clashed. It was a tightly fought contest, with neither judoka giving much away, before KOGA seized her opportunity on the ground. Calm under pressure, she converted the opportunity decisively to bring the contest to an emphatic close. It was KOGA who walked away crowned the World Champion. A breakthrough moment for the Japanese star.

The great spirit from the fans, the energy that was coming in came into me and I managed to achieve better because of the support from the fans in the arena.

Azerbaijan National Olympic Committee Secretary General Mr Azer ALIYEV awarded the medals.

In the -60kg, Ahmad YUSIFOV secured his first time in a World final here in his home nation. An impressive feat for the local favourite who was looking to claim his red backpatch. With the Baku crowd firmly behind him, the stage was set for a huge home final.

Facing him was Kazakhstan's Sherzod DAVLATOV , also in his first World final. Would DAVLATOV secure himself a place in history? The Kazakh had looked composed and dangerous throughout the day.

YUSIFOV rose to the occasion in front of a passionate home crowd to claim victory. With the pressure at its highest, YUSIFOV came from a score down, sparking huge celebrations and creating what is sure to be one of the standout moments of this World Championships.

International Judo Federation Executive Committee Member Mr Timur KEMELL awarded the medals.

There are always good things in my mind, I wouldn't have lost a contest in front of the audience here and now I'm feeling great.

What an incredible first day here in Baku. Join us tomorrow in the land of fire.