Assunta Scutto completes her World medal set with long-awaited gold, while Ryuju Nagayama finally captures the -60kg crown on his sixth attempt. An electrifying start to the 2025 World Judo Championships in Budapest.
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Welcome to Budapest, where new legends will rise at the OTP BANK World Judo Championships Hungary 2025.
Before the competition started, the IJF held their Congress at the beautiful Varkert Bazar where IJF President, Mr Vizer stood for re-election unopposed and was applauded by the national federation presidents and general secretaries as his election was duly ratified.
At the Papp László Arena, the crowds were waiting in anticipation to watch their favourite judoka claim their red back patches.
In -48kg, Italy’s Assunta SCUTTO claimed her place in the final with impressive judo all morning. Her second time in a World final, could she finally take the gold?
Meeting her there was Kazakhstan’s Abiba ABUZHAKYNOVA. The Kazakh was in fantastic form, with impressive footwork throughout the day, but would that be enough to earn her the title?
Heading out for the gold medal match, it was anyone’s game. Nearing the end of the contest, SCUTTO scored a yuko to lead the contest and soon after countered an attack, scoring ippon to claim the World title. Two bronzes, a silver, and finally a gold. An emotional victory to complete her collection.
Taishan Group Chairman & Founder, IJF Hon Vice President Mr BIAN Zhiliang awarded the medals.
In the -60kg category, Romain VALADIER PICARD secured his first time in a World final here in Budapest. An impressive feat for the 22 year old.
But facing him was the far more experienced Ryuju NAGAYAMA - could his sixth attempt for the World title finally be the one?
In the gold medal match, Nagayama was dominant. Two waza-ari scores, finally taking him to the pinnacle of the -60kg. And earning him the red backpatch at long last. A performance built on precision, patience, and years of determination.
CHN NOC Vice President Mr ZHOU Jinqiang awarded the medals.
It’s been an incredible first day here in Budapest.