Ahmad Yusifov Crowned World Champion on Opening Day of Baku 2026

The opening day of individual competition at the World Judo Championships in Baku has concluded, with Ahmad Yusifov claiming a historic gold medal for Azerbaijan.

Four Azerbaijani judoka competed at the National Gymnastics Arena in the women's -48 kg and men's -60 kg categories. The highlight of the day was Ahmad Yusifov's triumph, as he secured the world title in front of the home crowd.

Competing in the -60 kg category, Yusifov began his campaign in the Round of 32. He defeated Tumenjargal Tuvshintur (Mongolia), Harsh Singh (India), Ayub Bliev (Russia) and Yang Yung-Wei (Chinese Taipei) in the semi-finals to advance to the final. In the gold medal contest, Yusifov overcame Kazakhstan's Sherzod Davlatov to become world champion.

Also competing in the -60 kg category, Balabay Aghayev defeated Ukraine's Dilshot Khalmatov in his opening contest before losing to Jonathan Yang (USA) in the following round.

In the women's -48 kg category, Konul Aliyeva secured a victory over Chile's Mary Dee Vargas Ley before being defeated by Russia's Sabina Giliazova. Shafag Hamidova lost her opening contest to Natasha Razafindrakalo of Madagascar.

Yusifov's gold medal marked a historic achievement for Azerbaijani judo. He became the first Azerbaijani judoka to win a world title in the -60 kg category.

He also became Azerbaijan's fourth senior world champion, following Elkhan Mammadov, Hidayat Heydarov and Zelim Kotsoiev.