BUDAPEST, June 19, 2025
Kim’s Golden Triumph: A Historic Victory
Hayun Kim of teh Republic of Korea seized gold at the 2025 World judo Championships in Budapest, etching her name in the record books.
On the final day of individual competition at the 2025 World Judo Championships in Budapest, the women’s +78kg category saw a historic moment as Hayun Kim claimed the gold medal. The Olympic bronze medallist from the Republic of Korea rose to the occasion, showcasing her prowess and determination.
- Hayun Kim secured gold in the women’s +78kg category.
- Kim defeated Mao Arai in a hard-fought final.
- Romane Dicko earned a bronze medal.
Kim’s victory in Budapest was a testament to her relentless spirit. Seeded fourth, she navigated a tough path to the final. kim’s journey to the top included victories over Japan’s Ruri Takahashi and her teammate Hyeonji Lee.Kim then faced France’s star, Romane Dicko, a two-time Olympic medallist and a strong contender, in the semi-final. In a tightly contested final, Kim faced japan’s Mao Arai, ultimately securing the gold and becoming the first woman from her nation to win gold in this weight class.
Did you know?-judo,which translates to “gentle way,” originated in Japan in 1882. It was derived from jujutsu and emphasizes using an opponent’s weight and momentum against them.
Who won the women’s +78kg category at the 2025 World Judo Championships? hayun Kim of the Republic of Korea took home the gold medal, defeating Mao Arai in a closely fought final match.
Dicko’s Bronze and Arai’s Ascent
The competition was filled with dramatic turns, especially for Romane Dicko. After earning two penalties, Dicko received a third, ending her shot at a second title. Japan’s Mao Arai benefited from the early exit of Paris 2024 Olympic champion beatriz Souza, who never found her rhythm in the competition.
Reader question:-What do you think was the biggest factor in Kim’s victory? Was it her physical strength, her strategic planning, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts!
“I’m so happy to win my first World Championship gold medal,” Kim said. “Especially after finishing fifth and third.I’ve fought [Arai] several times before and always lost by osaekomi [pin],so I focused on not giving her that chance this time.”
Bronze Medal Battles
The bronze medals were contested in two contrasting battles. Hyeonji Lee, after her earlier loss, bounced back with a brilliant foot sweep against Dutchwoman Marit Kamps, claiming a bronze.
Dicko, a double Olympic medallist, faced Estonia’s Emma-Melis Aktas. Despite Aktas’s spirited fight, Dicko secured the bronze, adding to her impressive record.
Kim’s Olympic Ambition
With a world title in hand, Kim is setting her sights on the ultimate prize. “It motivates me even more. My ultimate goal is Olympic gold. If I keep working hard, I believe my dream will come true.”
beyond Budapest: Judo’s Global Footprint
The 2025 World Judo Championships in Budapest showcased not just individual brilliance, but also the global reach and growing popularity of the sport. The event, unfolding from June 13-20, 2025, offered a snapshot of judo’s vibrant international community, with athletes from around the world vying for coveted titles [[1]].
This year’s championships provided a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.Judo’s appeal transcends borders, drawing competitors and fans from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared passion for the “gentle way” [[3]]. The global participation highlighted the sport’s widespread appeal and its ability to unite people.
Medal Table Insights
The medal count at the 2025 World Championships reflects the varied landscape of judo prowess, with nations from different continents claiming their place on the podium [[2]]. This diverse representation confirms judo’s global standing and highlights the intense competition at the highest level.
Let’s zoom in on the top performers.
- Japan: Consistently a powerhouse, Japan’s judoka demonstrated their mastery and claimed a significant number of medals. Judo originated in Japan, so it stands as no surprise that they are a leader country.
- South Korea: Following Kim’s gold, South Korea’s athletes showed their continuing strength.
- Azerbaijan & Georgia: Both these countries secured multiple medals, and their success illustrates judo’s expansion.
Looking ahead
The judo calendar is always packed. The 2025 World Judo Championships set a high bar. but the future is certain to bring greater challenges. This event isn’t just a competition; its a stage, a display of human determination.
What do the World Judo Championships do? the World Judo Championships act as a premier showcase for athletes. When and where will the next championships be? The next championship’s location is yet to be announced, but the excitement continues.
This international collaboration enriches judo, making elite athletes more resilient than before.
As the judo community looks forward, the goal is to promote judo’s values globally.
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