Hyeonji Lee and Inal Tasoev Claim Gold at Baku World Judo Championships
At the conclusion of the individual competition at the World Judo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, nineteen-year-old Hyeonji Lee secured the gold medal in the +78kg category by defeating Romane Dicko. In the +100kg category, Inal Tasoev earned his third world title by defeating host nation competitor Ushangi Kokauri. The event also featured a flag-passing ceremony handing over hosting duties to Astana for the 2027 World Championships.
Key points
- Hyeonji Lee won the +78kg world gold medal by defeating Romane Dicko.
- Inal Tasoev secured his third world title in the +100kg category against Ushangi Kokauri.
- Astana was announced as the host city for the 2027 World Championships.
What Happened
The individual competition at the Baku World Judo Championships concluded with heavyweight bouts in Azerbaijan. Hyeonji Lee of South Korea captured the gold medal in the +78kg category after defeating France's Romane Dicko in the final with a waza-ari transitioning into a hold down. In the +100kg division, Inal Tasoev claimed his third world title by scoring an ippon against Azerbaijan's Ushangi Kokauri.
Team or Player Details
Nineteen-year-old Hyeonji Lee advanced through the tournament with ippon victories in every contest, building on her world bronze medal from the previous year. Romane Dicko, a former world champion, settled for the silver medal. In the men's heavyweight bracket, reigning double world champion Inal Tasoev maintained control throughout the tournament to secure his third title and retain the red backpatch for another year. Ushangi Kokauri represented the host nation of Azerbaijan, reaching the final supported by home crowds.
Medals were awarded by IOC Member Yael Arad and Azerbaijan Minister of Youth and Sport Farid Gayibov. Prior to the finals, a flag-passing ceremony marked the transition of the International Judo Federation flag to Kazakhstan, with Astana scheduled to host the World Championships in 2027.
What's Next
Competition in Baku continues with the start of the Mixed Team event featuring teams composed of three men and three women.
Why it matters
The victories crown the world champions in the heavyweight categories of international judo and set the stage for upcoming team competition and future international hosting in Astana.
What we know
- Hyeonji Lee won the gold medal in the +78kg category at the World Judo Championships in Baku.
- Inal Tasoev secured his third world title by winning the +100kg category in Baku.
- Astana is set to host the World Championships in 2027.
How the story developed
Lee and Tasoev Secure Gold at Baku World Judo Championships
Hyeonji Lee and Inal Tasoev claim gold medals in their respective heavyweight categories at the conclusion of individual competition in Baku.
