Now, let’s talk about Aki Asada (JPN). This judoka has not a single international meeting on her record; her debut is in Guayaquil. Unseeded but technically and strategically aware, she won her first two contests with two waza-ari scores in each and then came to a quarter-final with Tsurkan. There she continued to score, defeating the world number one and forcing her into the repechage.
This was not the only upset. Having defeated the top seed, Asada should have been a shoe-in for a place in the final but Jolina Reinhold (GER), herself unseeded at -63 kg but a cadet world medallist from the 2024 edition at -57 kg, was unshakeable. She took two scores from the Japanese fighter and was exuberant to move into the final. At the beginning of the day, with the world number one and the unknown Japanese judoka on her half of the draw, no-one could have foreseen her ascendence.
Final: Jolina Reinhold (GER) vs Bleona Rama (AUT)
Jolina Reinhold had an amazing day all round! Having been so strong in the morning session, she managed the break perfectly and came on to the tatami perfectly prepared from the final. It took her little more than a minute to wrap her arm around Bleona Rama’s head to throw with a koshi-guruma for a waza-ari. The transition to ne-waza was also immediate and the referee called “Waza-ari-awasete-ippon” ten seconds after the initial throw landed.
An emotional Jolina Reinhold spoke after leaving the tatami, I didn't realise it at first, not until I stood up saw the 'World Championships' signs again and heard everyone cheering; then I just started crying. A month ago I was so nervous that I couldn't sleep but I made it and I’m so thankful to my family, friends and coaches for their support. This isn't the end result; it’s proof that my hard work pays off. I’m going to train even harder now so I can reach the Olympics and become a world champion with the juniors and seniors too.”
Bronze medal contest: Ilariia Tsurkan (SLO) vs Iza Szofia Bartyik (HUN)
Tsurkan has been incredible throughout the 2026 season and was disappointed not to reach the final of the category in Guayaquil, but she made sure she would still be on the podium, throwing Bartyik for ippon with a seoi-otoshi halfway through the allotted time in the bronze medal contest.
Bronze medal contest: Paulina Viziriakina (RUS) vs Aki Asada (JPN)
Paulina Viziriakina was not ready to concede to her Japanese opponent and came out focused to lead from the beginning. She scored a first yuko but that seemed to light a fire under Aki Asada and she responded by throwing for a waza-ari. As the time ticked away, Asada looked to be heading to the podium, and she was!
Final (-63 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-63 kg)
Final Results (-63 kg)
