Georgia make history with first Mixed Team World title on emotional final day in Budapest
The Mixed Team competition is about more than medals - it's about team spirit, unity, and the values at the heart of judo. Expect big throws, big emotions, and unforgettable moments as athletes fight not for themselves, but for each other.
In the semi-final, Japan led early against strong contenders Georgia in an intense contest.
But big throws from the imposing heavyweight Guram TUSHISHVILI and freshly crowned World Champion Eteri LIPARTELIANI flipped the script.
Having built momentum Georgia powered through with another ippon from Mikheili BAKHBAKHASHVILI.
Utana TERADA tried to even the score for team Japan.
But in a repeat of the Olympic final, Lasha BEKAURI emerged victorious. Driving the passionate Georgian team into the World final with commanding style.
The Republic of Korean delivered a dominant performance in their semi-final against Germany, sweeping to victory 4 - 0. With sharp technique, relentless pressure, and outstanding team spirit, they left no room for doubt and secured their place in the final in emphatic fashion.
It was The Republic of Korea VS Georgia in the final contending for the gold medal - who would rewrite history?
LEE led with an ippon, setting the tone with a confident performance.
But fresh off her World Championship win, LIPARTELIANI evened the score.
BAKHBAKHASHVILI held his way to victory and TCHANTURIA took home another win for team Georgia.
At 3-1 it was left to double Olympic Champion Lasha BEKAURI to take it home for his team. Gold for Georgia - and a new chapter was written in World Judo history.
IJF President Mr Marius VIZER awarded the gold trophy.
Mrs Filomena FORTES, IOC Member awarded the gold medals, and Mr Max-Hervé GEORGE, Director of International Partnerships of the IJF awarded the silver trophy.
What an incredible celebration of judo it's been here at the OTP Bank World Judo Championships, delivering World-class action and true judo spirit from Budapest, Hungary. Until next time — thank you for watching.
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