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Judo: Kim strikes gold for Korea, Tasoev defends heavyweight crown on Day 7 in Budapest
Day 7 closes out the individual competition at the OTP Bank World Judo Championships and it's time for the heavyweights to take centre stage in Budapest.
Before the finals, IJF President Mr. Marius Vizer awarded diplomas recognising achievements in judo.
And the traditional flag-passing ceremony was held to commemorate the closing of the event, as Hungary passed the IJF flag to Azerbaijan — with Baku set to host the World Championships in 2026 where judo would return to the land of fire.
At +78kg, Hayun KIM had been making her mark on the international stage, and in Budapest she delivered her best performance yet. Could she take the title?
Facing her was Japan's Mao ARAI who had managed to secure her place in the final after a fantastic performance in the preliminaries. ARAI looked every bit a contender for the World final was a tight, tactical battle taken into Golden Score. It was Hayun KIM who would wear the red backpatch for the Republic of Korea's first gold medal!
I'm so happy to win my first World Championship gold medal, especially after finishing fifth and third.
OTP Bank Chairman & IJF Honorary President Dr Sandor CSANYI awarded the medals.
At +100kg, Guram TUSHISHVILI was on fire — storming his way through the preliminaries with explosive throws and unstoppable momentum. The Georgian powerhouse looked focused and fearless. He was here to reclaim the title he first won in 2018.
Facing him in the final was Inal TASOEV, the 2023 World Champion. TASOEV had delivered a solid performance and was aiming to add a second World title to his the final, TUSHISHVILI led with a yuko, but it was TASOEV who came back with a waza-ari and managed to keep the Georgian at bay, claiming his second World title!
This is very cool, it's my second time in Budapest and both of them were successful, the first time I won a Grand Slam and the second time a World Championships. Only positive emotions.
5 time Olympic and 12 time World Champion, Mr Teddy RINER awarded the medals.
Join us tomorrow in Budapest where the Mixed Team competition kicks off. 3 men 3 women, one team, one goal. Don't miss it!
