Baku, Oct. 6 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s Ryuga Tanaka and Akari Omori won the men’s 73-kilogram and women’s 57 kg categories at the 2026 World Judo Championships on Tuesday, securing gold in their world championship debut. Tanaka, 22, advanced through the tournament held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, beating opponents including world No. 1 Muhiddin Asadulloev of Tajikistan to reach the final. The final went into golden score, ending with Tanaka defeating Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov of the United Arab Emirates to become the first Japanese judo athlete to secure the category’s title since two-time Olympic gold medalist Shohei Ono in 2019. “There had been times I was a bit too careful,” Tanaka said. “This time, I focused on not letting my opponents use their techniques on me.” His older brother, Ryoma, won the 66 kg category in the 2024 World Judo Championships. “I’m happy that I also won,” the younger Tanaka said. He added, “I hope to become someone who can lead this category for years to come.” In women’s judo, Omori brought Japan its first world championship victory in the 57 kg category since Tsukasa Yoshida, a bronze medalist at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Like Tanaka, Omori’s final continued into golden score, with the 24-year-old beating Georgia’s Eteri Liparteliani, last year’s champion. “I waited for an opportunity to arrive,” Omori said. “I’m glad I seized it.” Kisumi, Omori’s older sister, who competed in the 52 kg category at the 2025 tournament, served as a practice partner at the 2026 tournament. “She provided support and advice at my side,” the younger Omori said. “Thanks to her, I stepped onto the tatami mat with a sense of determination.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
