The László Papp arena in BUDAPEST is set to host a thrilling judo tournament, potentially featuring a highly anticipated rematch between Azeri star Hidayat Heydarov and Japan’s Tatsuki Ishihara. Heydarov, the reigning Olympic and World Champion from Paris 2024 and Abu Dhabi 2024, respectively, will face a strong challenge from the 23-year-old Ishihara.

Heydarov secured victory over Ishihara at last year’s event in Abu Dhabi, marking Ishihara as a “Judoca in full ascent.”

Though, they aren’t the only contenders. Veteran Georgian athlete Lasha Shavdatuashvili, Olympic champion from London 2012 and medalist in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, along with a two-time world champion and medalist in three other global competitions, also aims for the podium.

other notable participants include Frenchman Joan-Benjamin Gaba, an Olympic gold medalist in mixed teams at Paris 2024 and individual runner-up; Swiss judoka Nils Stump, the World Dorado de Doha 2023 champion and Abu Dhabi bronze medalist; and Italian Manuel Lombardo, a World Silver medalist from Budapest 2021 and Doha 2023. Uzbekistan’s Shakhram ahadov and Makhmadbek Makhmadbek from the Emirates are also in contention.

Representing Latin America, Brazilian Daniel Cargnin, an Olympic and World Bronze medalist, hopes to advance, potentially facing Ishihara in the quarterfinals.

In the women’s 57kg category,South Korea’s Huh Mi-Mi will defend her title against strong competitors like Georgia’s Eteri Liparteliani and Japan’s Momo Tamaoki.

France’s Sarah-Léonie Cysique aims for individual glory after securing team medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. “This could be the year of the French Sarah-Léonie Cysique,” after previous Olympic success.

Germany’s Seija Ballhaus, Serbia’s Marica Perisic, and France’s Martha Fawaz are also potential contenders.

Brazilian Shirlen Nascimento faces a tough challenge in the 57kg category, debuting against the South Korean world champion.

Japan has dominated the medal count,securing three of the four gold medals in the previous days thru Abe Uta (52kg),Ryuju Nahayama (60kg),and Takeshi Takeoka (66kg). Italy’s Assumption Scutto claimed the other title (48kg).