Judo World Championships in Baku: four medals, no gold for France

The World Judo Championships ran from 4 to 11 October at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan. France came away with four medals, two silver and two bronze, but no gold.

Two finals, two defeats

Kaïla Issoufi (-78 kg) lost her final and took silver. Romane Dicko (+78 kg) also reached the final in the heaviest category and finished second.

Shirine Boukli won bronze at -48 kg, the lightest weight. On the men's side, Dayyan Boulemtafes took bronze at -73 kg.

Absences and disappointments

Joan-Benjamin Gaba, the defending -73 kg world champion, went out in his first contest. At -60 kg, neither Luka Mkheidze nor Romain Valadier-Picard reached the podium. Teddy Riner missed the event with a shoulder injury. In the mixed team event that closed the championships, France finished seventh.

Eyes on Los Angeles

The result falls short of the French federation's stated goals. Next up are the international circuit, the 2028 World Championships and the Los Angeles Games.