Baku World Judo Championships see gold for Yusifov and the Abe siblings

The World Judo Championships in Baku have commenced with several high-profile athletes securing gold medals. Azerbaijani judoka Ahmad Yusifov won the gold in the 60kg category, an achievement celebrated by President Ilham Aliyev during the tournament's official opening ceremony at the National Gymnastics Arena.

Japanese stars Uta Abe and Hifumi Abe also secured gold medals. Uta Abe successfully defended her title, maintaining her undefeated record at World Championships, while Hifumi Abe won the -66kg category with a decisive ippon against David Garcia Torne of Spain.

In other notable results, Rashid Mammadaliyev of Azerbaijan earned a bronze medal in the 73kg category. However, French defending champion Joan-Benjamin Gaba was eliminated early in the -73kg category following a loss to Bulgaria's Victor Skerlev during a golden score period.