Japan wins two gold medals at Judo World Championships in Baku

Japan secured two gold medals on the third day of the 2026 Judo World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan. Akari Omori won her first senior world title in the women’s under-57kg category. After a competitive match that went into golden score, Omori defeated the defending champion, Eteri Liparteliani of Georgia, by securing a hold-down on the ground.

In the men’s under-73kg division, Ryuga Tanaka claimed gold in his world championship debut. Tanaka advanced through a difficult bracket, including a victory over the world number one, before facing Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov of the United Arab Emirates in the final. Tanaka secured the victory with a decisive attack, marking the first time a Japanese athlete has won this specific category since 2019.

Alongside the athletic achievements, the International Judo Federation signed a sponsorship agreement with CBH Bank and an MOU with the International Police Sports Union during the event at the National Gymnastics Arena.