Austrian judo team competes at World Championships in Baku

The Austrian Judo Federation (ÖJV) is competing in the individual events of the Judo World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan. A six-member team is participating in the individual competitions, and the nation is also represented in the mixed team event.

Head coach Yvonne Snir-Bönisch stated that the team aims to secure at least one medal to end a recent drought in World Championship success. Key athletes include two-time Olympic medalist Michaela Polleres in the 70 kg category and Lubjana Piovesana in the 63 kg category. Other competitors include Thomas Scharfetter (90 kg), Elena Dengg (78 kg), Maria Höllwart (over 78 kg), and Movli Borchashvilli (over 100 kg).

Polleres, who won bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has shown strong form following a break from competition, recently placing third at the Grand Slam in Budapest. The tournament features a total prize pool of 800,000 euros, with 26,000 euros awarded for each gold medal, alongside world ranking points.