Tasoev Faces a Deep Heavyweight Field in Baku

Inal Tasoev enters the +100 kg competition in Baku as the world number one and reigning world champion. The Russian heavyweight is the standout name in a field of 41 judoka, all chasing the final world title of the individual competition.

Tasoev was crowned world champion in Budapest last year and has built his position through remarkable consistency. Even on the occasions when he has been beaten, he has still found a way onto the podium. His positioning, reactions, anticipation and tactical control make him the heavyweight every opponent will be looking to stop.

That does not mean his route will be simple. Olympic silver medallist Minjong Kim of Korea could appear early, while Japan’s Kanta Nakano is another major test in the draw. Later rounds could bring Czech legend Lukas Krpalek or Magomedomar Magomedomarov of the United Arab Emirates into the picture.

The heavyweight division closes the individual competition with 41 athletes in contention.

Europe has several strong contenders spread through the draw. Irakli Demetrashvili of Georgia, Jur Spijkers of the Netherlands and Ibrahim Tataroglu of Türkiye are all among the athletes with realistic semi-final ambitions in Pool B. Their presence adds depth to a section that appears less predictable than Tasoev’s side of the draw.

Valerii Endovitskii arrives as world number two after winning the Hungary Grand Slam only weeks ago. At 26, the Russian judoka is already one of the division’s leading figures, but he will have to navigate a demanding group that also includes Georgia’s Guram Tushishvili.

Tushishvili knows what it means to reach the top in Baku. He won the world title there in 2018 and now has the chance to return to that stage. Finland’s Martti Puumalainen brings another European storyline, aiming for his first world medal in his sixth appearance at the event.

The hosts also have reasons to believe. Ushangi Kokauri and Kanan Nasibov carry Azerbaijan’s strongest hopes in the final quarter, where a home medal would add another emotional layer to the closing day.

Tasoev starts as the favourite, but heavyweight Judo leaves little room for comfort. The draw is ready, the contenders are in place and only one athlete will finish Baku as world champion.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation