Several female judoka in white and blue judogi compete on a yellow tatami under arena lights, with athletes mid-throw and on the ground.

Hershko’s Power Meets a Deep +78 kg Field

Raz Hershko enters the women’s +78 kg category as world number one, carrying Israel’s hopes of turning a strong week into a world gold medal. The heavyweight division is the final women’s category before Sunday’s mixed team competition, and its draw is packed with established champions and dangerous challengers.

Israel has already celebrated a silver medal from Kerem Primo at -63 kg. Primo was not among the favourites but produced an outstanding run to the final, and Hershko now has the chance to push even further in the women’s heavyweight contest.

A bronze medallist in Doha in 2023, Hershko brings major throwing power to the tatami. After several days around the warm-up area, she has had time to absorb the atmosphere ahead of her opening-round contest against Ling Fang Chang (TPE).

The path could become much tougher in the quarter-finals. Young Chinese judoka Xinran Niu is one possible opponent, while Olympic champions Beatriz Souza (BRA) and Akira Sone (JPN) are also potential obstacles. Souza won gold at Paris 2024, while Sone claimed the Tokyo Olympic title in 2021.

The heavyweight draw offers no easy route to the medals.

The other side of the draw has its own uncertainty. Pool B has no clear standout, leaving the race for a semi-final place wide open.

France has two major contenders in the lower half. Romane Dicko knows what it takes to win world gold after her title in Tashkent in 2022. Léa Fontaine arrives after winning in Lausanne at the end of August, defeating Dicko in the final, and is listed as world number two.

Fontaine could meet Mao Arai (JPN) in the quarter-finals, while Dicko may need to get past Helena Vukovic (CRO). France could target two medals, potentially including gold and bronze, but the depth of the category means nothing is guaranteed.

For Hershko, the mission is clear: use her power, handle the pressure and navigate one of the week’s most competitive fields. The final answer will come on the tatami.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation

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