Georgia becomes world champion in mixed team judo for first time

Georgia’s mixed men’s and women’s judo team has achieved a historic milestone by winning the gold medal at the 2025 World Team Judo Championships held in Hungary.

Georgia defeated South Korea in the final with a commanding score of 4:1, securing the world champion title for the first time in its history.

Before reaching the final, the Georgian team showcased exceptional skill and determination. In the opening rounds, they defeated China 4:1 and Italy 4:0.

In the semifinals, they faced the reigning 2024 world champions, Japan, and triumphed 4:2.

The decisive semifinal match was won by Lasha Bekauri (-90 kg), who delivered an ippon victory over Japan’s Sanshiro Murao in a tense showdown.

Alongside the team competition, Georgian judokas made history in the individual categories.

Eteri Liparteliani (-57 kg) claimed Georgia’s first-ever senior-level gold medal in women’s judo, defeating Japan’s Momo Tamaoki. Tato Grigalashvili (-81 kg) and Guram Tushishvili (+100 kg) earned silver medals. Luka Maisuradze (-90 kg) secured a bronze medal.

The Georgian judokas participated in the World Championships with the support of the Georgian Ministry of Sports.