Japan reclaim mixed team world title with eighth gold at World Judo Championships in Baku
Japan reclaimed the mixed team world title by securing their eighth gold medal at the World Judo Championships in Baku. In the final, wins from competitors including Tanaka Shiho, Murao Sanshiro, Mao Arai, and Omori Akari propelled Japan to victory, overcoming a win by Tamerlan Bashaev for the opposing side. The tournament also featured a semi-final where Japan defeated the People's Republic of China, and the Russian Federation advanced past Uzbekistan following a Golden Score contest.
Key points
- Japan won the mixed team gold medal at the World Judo Championships in Baku, claiming their eighth team title.
- In the final, victories by Tanaka Shiho, Murao Sanshiro, Mao Arai, and Omori Akari secured the win for Japan.
- Tamerlan Bashaev earned a win during the final for his team.
- In the semi-finals, Japan defeated the People's Republic of China, while the Russian Federation overcame Uzbekistan after a Golden Score contest.
What happened
Japan reclaimed the mixed team world title by securing their eighth gold medal at the World Judo Championships held in Baku. The mixed team competition highlighted team spirit and unity as athletes competed for each other. In the final, Tanaka Shiho put Japan into an early lead with a yuko, followed by momentum from Murao Sanshiro and Mao Arai. Although Tamerlan Bashaev earned a win, Omori Akari clinched the title for Japan with her victory.
Trophies were awarded following the competition. International Judo Federation President Mr Marius VIZER presented the gold trophy, Harvest Group CEO Mr Almaz Alsenov awarded the silver trophy, and International Judo Federation Vice Presidents Dr. Laszlo Toth and Obaid Al Anzi awarded the two bronze trophies.
Score / result
In the final contest, Japan secured the mixed team gold medal with decisive wins after early victories from Tanaka Shiho, Murao Sanshiro, and Mao Arai brought the score to 3 - 0. Tamerlan Bashaev subsequently earned a win, but Omori Akari sealed the 8th Team gold for Japan.
During the semi-final stage, Japan advanced past the People's Republic of China following early contributions from Uchimura, Murao, and Arai. In the other semi-final, Uzbekistan and the Russian Federation tied at 3 - 3 after matches involving Ahadov, Lishchenko, Murtozoev, Rechkalova, Tasoev, and Aminova. Tasoev subsequently won a Golden Score contest in the +90kg category to send his team into the final.
Team or player details
Key Japanese competitors in the tournament included Uchimura, Murao, Arai, Tanaka Shiho, Murao Sanshiro, Mao Arai, and Omori Akari. Tamerlan Bashaev competed in the final and earned a win for his side.
The semi-final encounter between Uzbekistan and the Russian Federation featured Ahadov, Lishchenko, Murtozoev, Rechkalova, Tasoev, and Aminova.
Why it matters
The victory marks a return to the top for Japan in the mixed team judo competition following their team bronze finish the previous year, demonstrating ongoing international dominance in the sport.
