Judo 2026 World Championships: Koga and Yusifov Strike Gold on Opening Day in Baku
Koga and Yusifov Open Baku World Judo Championships With Gold Medals
Poinews.com – The Baku World Judo Championships 2026 began with two memorable title contests, as Japan’s KOGA Wakana took the women’s -48kg crown and Azerbaijan’s Ahmad YUSIFOV thrilled the home supporters by winning the men’s -60kg title.
On the first day of competition in Azerbaijan’s capital, the pursuit of the red back patch brought established contenders and first-time World finalists into focus. Koga completed her collection of World Championship medals with gold, while Yusifov produced a comeback victory in front of an energized Baku crowd.
Koga completes her World medal set
The women’s -48kg division featured a final between two judoka with substantial experience at this level. Italy’s Assunta SCUTTO reached the World Championship final for the third consecutive time after a strong morning session. Having already won a World title, she entered the contest seeking a second gold medal.
Across the tatami stood Koga, who had previously earned silver and bronze at the World Championships. The Japanese judoka arrived in the final after delivering consistently high-level performances throughout the day, building confidence with each contest and putting herself within reach of the one major World medal missing from her collection.
The final itself was a disciplined and closely balanced encounter. Both competitors were careful not to provide a clear opening, and the contest remained tight as they tested each other’s defenses. The decisive moment came on the ground, where Koga identified an opportunity and finished it with composure.
Her control under pressure brought the match to a clear conclusion and secured the World Championship. The victory marked a major breakthrough for Koga, who added gold to her earlier World silver and bronze medals.
Mr Azer ALIYEV, Secretary General of the Azerbaijan National Olympic Committee, presented the medals in the women’s -48kg category.
Yusifov delivers for Azerbaijan
The men’s -60kg competition then gave the host nation a defining opening-day moment. Ahmad YUSIFOV reached his first World Championship final on home soil, carrying the expectations of local supporters as he sought to claim the red back patch.
His opponent, Kazakhstan’s Sherzod DAVLATOV, was also appearing in a World final for the first time. Davlatov had looked composed and dangerous throughout the competition, earning his place in the deciding contest with performances that made him a serious threat to take the title.
For Yusifov, the occasion carried an added dimension. Competing in Baku with the crowd firmly behind him, he had the chance to turn a first World final into a home victory. The atmosphere reflected the significance of the match, with the Azerbaijani judoka supported throughout the contest.
Yusifov had to recover from a score down, but he responded when the pressure was greatest. His comeback secured the victory and triggered large celebrations among the Baku spectators. It was a result that immediately established him as one of the central figures of the opening day.
Winning a World Championship in one’s home nation is a rare sporting occasion, and Yusifov’s recovery added further drama to the achievement. The result also denied Davlatov a landmark first World title, despite the Kazakh judoka’s composed run through the tournament.
Mr Timur KEMELL, a member of the International Judo Federation Executive Committee, awarded the medals for the men’s -60kg category.
An opening day defined by opportunity
The two gold-medal contests showed different routes to success. Koga relied on patience, precision and control in a final between experienced World-level opponents. Yusifov, by contrast, overcame a deficit in an emotionally charged contest to seize a title in front of his own supporters.
Both winners entered the day with important milestones in sight. Koga was aiming to convert previous World podium finishes into a championship, while Yusifov was stepping into a World final for the first time. Their victories demonstrated how quickly the balance of a tournament can shift when a decisive opening appears.
Scutto’s third straight World final underlined her consistency in the -48kg category, even though she was unable to add another gold medal. Davlatov’s appearance in his first World final likewise marked a significant achievement, with his steady form carrying him to the final contest in the -60kg division.
As the championships continue in Baku, the opening day has set a high standard for the remaining competition. Koga leaves with the World title she had been seeking, while Yusifov has given the host nation an early celebration that will remain among the standout memories of the event.
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