Israel Judo Team Competes in World Championships Amid National Mourning

The Israeli national judo team is set to begin its most significant professional event of the year, the World Championships, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, starting Sunday. A total of 622 judokas from 93 countries are participating, with Israel sending 11 athletes. The championship will span seven days. The team's participation occurs during one of the most sensitive and painful weeks in the country's history, with the athletes focused on representing Israel with honor and achieving success.

Initially registered for the team competition on the final day, the Israeli team ultimately decided not to compete. This decision was influenced by professional considerations and the injury of Gili Almog Mishiner (78+ kg) to her knee, who was expected to be a key member of the squad.

Yitzhak Aspiz (up to 60 kg) will be the first Israeli to compete on Sunday. Aspiz is currently ranked second in the world in his weight class and is considered a favorite to reach the podium in his senior World Championship debut.

Raz Hershko (78+ kg) holds the world's number one ranking in the open weight category. She consistently secures medals in global tour events and is also a strong contender for a medal at this championship.

The full Israeli delegation includes Gefen Primo (up to 52 kg), Tamiana Nelson Levy (up to 57 kg), Inbal Shemesh (up to 57 kg), Yitzhak Aspiz (up to 60 kg), Gili Primo (up to 63 kg), Maya Goshen (up to 70 kg), Ohad Moriz (up to 73 kg), Yonatan Elbaz (up to 73 kg), Raz Hershko (78+ kg), Roy Sivan (up to 90 kg), and Yosef Seminin (up to 100 kg). The competition schedule for the Israeli athletes begins on October 4th with Yitzhak Aspiz and concludes on October 10th with Raz Hershko.