It is striking how many renowned judoka, both current and past, came through the university system. Taking part in the World University Games is a key stage in the careers of many athletes. For most, it remains a cherished memory, symbolising the transition between youth and sporting maturity. The 2025 edition was no exception. The line-up in Essen clearly reflected this, with many competitors already active on the international circuit.
In the -60 kg category, Fukuda Yamato (JPN) claimed a logical victory. Already a double junior world champion and a recent gold medallist at the Upper Austria Grand Prix, he confirmed his impressive upward trajectory. In the -73 kg class, Adil Osmanov (MDA), a bronze medallist at the Paris Olympics, returned to the top by securing gold in Essen. Mimi Huh (KOR), just 22 years old, already embodies excellence: 2024 world champion and Olympic silver medallist, she secured the -57 kg title.
Another rising Japanese star, Kaito Amano, junior world champion in 2023, continued his international rise with a gold medal in the -81 kg category. In the -63 kg division, Narumi Tanioka (JPN), runner-up at the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam, continued to make her mark on the world stage. Jonghoon Kim (KOR), who started his season by winning the 2025 Paris Grand Slam, maintained his momentum by securing gold once again, in Essen.
In the -70 kg category, Rin Maeda (JPN) confirmed her outstanding season, adding a University Games title to her grand slam win in Tashkent. Competing on home soil, Anna Monta Olek (GER) did her country proud. After a memorable world championship final lost against Alice Bellandi in Budapest, this time she overcame Beatriz Freitas (BRA) in the -78 kg final. Finally, current world champion in the +78 kg category, Hayun Kim (KOR) achieved a prestigious double by taking the university world title.
Other less well-known but equally promising judoka also stood out: Mizuki Harada (JPN) at -48 kg, Kairi Kentoru (JPN) at -66 kg, Seyun Jang (KOR) at -52 kg, Narumi Tanioki (JPN) at -63 kg, Jedrzejewski Michal (POL) at -90 kg, and Yuta Nakamura (JPN) at +100 kg. Their gold medals suggest they are well on their way to breaking into the top tier of international judo.
Japan’s dominance, underpinned by a university-based development model, was both clear and expected, in both individual and team competitions. The Japanese team triumphed over France, their traditional rivals. While the French team lacked standout individual results, despite a few medals, they once again showed their collective strength by reaching a prestigious team final.
With judo now finished at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, the athletes can finally enjoy some well-earned rest. The Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam is drawing to a close and the World Judo Tour will resume in China this September. Until then, a short break is in order, but judo, as ever, never sleeps.
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