Israel's Judokas Eyeing Glory at World Championships in Baku
Israeli judokas Raz Hershko and Yitzhak Ashpiz lead the national delegation heading to the World Judo Championships in Baku, carrying high hopes for medals.
A 10-year age gap separates Raz Hershko and Yitzhak Ashpiz, the two judokas upon whom the Israeli national team pins great hopes ahead of the World Judo Championships opening tomorrow in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
Only those who have recently visited Baku know how welcoming the country is, especially to visitors from Israel. Hapoel Be'er Sheva experienced this firsthand when they came to play against Azerbaijan's Sabah in the Champions League playoffs. Although the hosts ultimately advanced at the expense of Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Alona Barkat's club spoke of how pleasant it was to be hosted in a country friendly to Israel.
Anticipation for the World Championships
The World Championships, starting tomorrow, will be the most significant competition for Israeli judo since the Paris Olympic Games in the summer of 2024, where Israel achieved remarkable success on the judo mat with Inbar Lanir, Raz Hershko, and Peter Paltchik grabbing medals. This time, all eyes are on Yitzhak Ashpiz and Raz Hershko.
Alongside them will be nine other judokas. One should certainly not underestimate the ability of Timna Nelson-Levy to reach the podium on any given day in the under-57 kg category. Gefen Primo in the under-52 kg class can also contend for a medal, but Israel's favorites remain 18-year-old Ashpiz and 28-year-old Hershko, the Olympic silver medalist from Paris.
Rising Stars and Experienced Champions
Ashpiz arrives in excellent form following a gold medal at the Budapest Grand Slam last month, and after capturing a bronze medal at the European Championships earlier this year. Among the men, he is ranked highest in his weight class, having recently climbed to second place in the world rankings. The judoka from Rishon LeZion, who displays spectacular judo and aggressively seeks quick ippon throws, will begin the competition for Israel tomorrow in the under-60 kg category.
Hershko, rich in experience and ability, has yet to reach a World Championship final. Her last World Championship medal was bronze in Doha three years ago. Hershko enters the tournament aiming for the top spot, mirroring her world ranking. For her, two years ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, a strong performance will serve as further proof that she maintains her elite status among the world's heavyweights. Hershko was also a member of the team that won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics.
Israel will not compete in the team event at these World Championships due to several injuries, particularly among the women, with Inbar Lanir just returning from a long-term injury and other judokas missing the tournament.
"Ashpiz became the youngest Israeli judoka to win a European Championship medal, and he will certainly want to become the youngest, at age 18, to achieve this at the World Championships."
Six women and five men will represent Israel. Ultimately, Ashpiz's opening day tomorrow will be intensely dramatic, and the national team hopes he will kick things off on a high note with a podium finish.
