Hyeonji Lee and Inal Tasoev Win World Judo Titles in Baku

South Korea's Hyeonji Lee won her first world judo title in the women's over 78 kilogram division on October 10 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Euronews reported. Lee defeated former champion Romane Dicko in the final to claim the gold medal. [1]

In the men's over 100 kilogram category, Inal Tasoev defeated home favourite Ushangi Kokauri of Azerbaijan with an ippon, according to Euronews. The victory gave Tasoev his third world title and allowed him to retain his red backpatch. [1]

The victories came on the final day of individual competition at the Baku World Judo Championships, Euronews reported. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Japan and host nation Azerbaijan had already captured multiple gold medals during the tournament, including victories by Wakana Koga, Ahmad Yusifov, Akari Omori, Ryuga Tanaka, and Hifumi Abe. [1][8][9]

Before the finals began, organizers held a traditional flag-passing ceremony to mark the end of the individual event, Euronews reported. Azerbaijan passed the International Judo Federation flag to Kazakhstan, with Astana scheduled to host the next World Judo Championships. [1]