The 2022 World Judo Championships in Tashkent have opened. As part of the kick-off, an event was held that combined the martial art and economic connections.

Marius Vizer, Chairman of the World Judo Federation, gave opening remarks. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together people from different professional and geographical backgrounds. The organisers were the World Judo Federation and the government of Uzbekistan.

And then it was on to the sport, the venue for the World Championships being the Humo Arena in Tashkent. The judo enthusiasts saw two Japanese World Cup titles on the first day of competition.

Silver for German Katharina Menz

In the women’s up to 48 kilograms the defending champion prevailed. Natsumi Tsunoda won the final against the German Katharina Menz.

The fact that Menz advanced to the last bout was a big surprise. On her way to the final she defeated, among others, the World Championship bronze medallist Julia Figueroa and the runner-up of the European Championships, Catarina Costa. But the German had to admit defeat against Tsunoda.

Tsunoda already won gold in the same weight category last year, and in 2017 the 30-year-old took silver, then in the 52-kilogram weight category.

For Menz, the judoka from TSG Backnang, it was the biggest success of her career so far. “She fought for beautiful technical scores. I am also thrilled by her determination and professional approach to achieve her goals,” praised national coach Claudiu Pusa Menz’s performance. She already won World Championship silver as a junior, that was in 2009.

Marius Vizer, President of the World Judo Federation, handed over the medals. She was very excited, said the old and new world champion. But she just tried to do her best, Tsunoda said.

Takato: The serial winner took gold again

Naohisa Takato has added another gold to his handsome collection of medals. In Uzbekistan, the 29-year-old became world champion for the fourth time. Last year he also became Olympic champion.

The semi-final against Yang Yung Wei was a repeat of the Olympic final, Takato again prevailed and then had to face Ariunbold Enchtaivan from Mongolia for gold in Tashkent. The Japanese was once again unbeatable and won gold in the weight category up to 60 kilograms.

I love judo and watch fights all the time. I stay at the top because I train more and more every day.
Naohisa Takato
World Champion in the weight category up to 60 kilograms

The award ceremony was performed by Italian singer Albano Carrisi, who is an ambassador for the World Judo Federation.

“I love judo and I watch fights all the time. I stay on top because I train more and more every day,” Takato said.

The host Uzbekistan Judo Federation did not win any medals on the first day of the World Championships, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm in the hall.