Omori Delivers the Decisive Point as Japan Takes Mixed Team Crown

Japan secured the world mixed team title after a final against Russia, with Akari Omori earning the point that secured the title. The final block followed a dramatic day of team judo featuring throws, golden score battles and several unexpected results.

Shiho Tanaka gave Japan the early advantage in the -70 kg category. The 2025 world champion faced Madina Taimazova in a tight contest that went into golden score, where Tanaka scored a Yuko to put her team ahead.

Japan doubled its lead through Murao in the -90 kg contest against Egor Andoni. Andoni kept the match level for more than two minutes, but Murao found his opening with Uchi-mata for a Yuko before adding another score. It was a controlled display from the new double world champion.

Mao Arai then battled Daria Rechkalova in a tense contest. Rechkalova defended strongly in ne-waza and forced Arai into two penalties, but an attack without enough preparation in extra time allowed Arai to counter and take Japan’s third victory.

Russia responded in the heavyweight category. Tamerlan Bashaev scored a Yuko against Kenta Nakano and survived an O-guruma attempt with 44 seconds remaining. His win brought Russia back into the match, but Japan remained in front.

Omori faced Irina Zueva in the -57 kg contest with the title within reach. Zueva started aggressively and threatened on the ground, while Omori initially struggled to establish her position. The Japanese judoka then found her rhythm, first scoring a Yuko and later landing Sode-tsuri-komi-goshi for Waza-ari to clinch gold.

Omori’s late surge gave Japan the point it needed for the title.

Uzbekistan claimed bronze after defeating Mongolia. Shirinjon Yuldosheva opened the scoring with a Yuko in extra time, before Nurbek Murtozoev added a second point with Ippon in the -90 kg category. Mongolia fought back through Adyasuren Amarsaikhan’s Shime-waza and Sosorbaram Lkhagvasuren’s penalties win, but Shakhram Ahadov protected his Yuko against Uranbayar Odgerel to finish the job.

Georgia also celebrated bronze after defeating China, despite beginning one point behind because Sophio Somkishvili could not compete and no reserve was listed. Nino Gulbani equalised with Shime-waza against Lu Liu, before world champion Luka Maisuradze held Heblige Bu for Ippon on the ground.

Irakli Demetrashvili extended Georgia’s lead, and Eteri Liparteliani completed the win against Nan Wang. After conceding an early Yuko, Liparteliani countered for Waza-ari and added another Yuko as Georgia secured a world mixed team medal.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation