Raz Hershko Opens World Judo Championships Campaign With Impressive Victory

Raz Hershko opened her campaign at the World Judo Championships on Saturday with a dominant victory in the over-78 kg category. The Israeli judoka defeated Ling Fang Chang of Taiwan by ippon after securing a hold down just one minute and 50 seconds into the match. She advanced to face 18-year-old Emma-Melis Aktas of Estonia in the next round.

Hershko returns to the World Championships stage after missing last year's event due to regional security operations. The Olympic silver medalist from Paris 2024 continues to display remarkable consistency at the highest level of international sport.

Over the past year, Hershko has overcome numerous logistical and competitive challenges, including golden triumphs at the Austria Grand Prix and the European Championships. Her latest performance reaffirms her status among the global elite in women's judo.