Kosovo judokas prepare for World Championships in Baku

The Judo World Championships have commenced in Baku, Azerbaijan, featuring 622 athletes from 93 nations. Kosovar judokas have received their tournament brackets and are preparing for upcoming matches.

Akil Gjakova is scheduled to compete on Tuesday in the 73kg category against Olympic champion Hidayat Heydarov. Dardan Cena also competes in the 73kg category, facing Ireland's Joshua Green in the first round, with a potential second-round match against Georgia's Lasha Shavdatuashvili.

While medal contender Distria Krasniqi is absent from the 52kg category due to injury recovery, other Kosovar athletes are set to compete. Laura Fazliu will begin her 63kg competition on Wednesday starting from the second round, and Shpati Zekaj will face Moldova's Vadim Ghimbovschi in the 100kg category on Friday.