Israeli Teen Judoka Yitzhak Assafiz Emerges as World Championship Gold Medal Contender

Eighteen-year-old Israeli judoka Yitzhak Assafiz is being seriously considered a contender for a gold medal at the World Judo Championships in Baku, according to Japanese experts. Assafiz, from Rishon LeZion, is ranked second in the under-60kg category, behind Azerbaijan's Balabay Agayev, whom he has lost to twice this year. Assafiz has achieved a remarkable 22 wins against only four losses in the first nine months of the year, showcasing an impressive nearly 85% success rate. His rapid ascent to the senior ranks, following previous wins in cadet world and European championships, has made him a standout story in Israeli judo, a sport currently in need of such a breakthrough. Assafiz's journey began in a local club, and his recent successes include a bronze at the Grand Slam Paris, where he defeated the reigning world champion Ryoju Nagayama, and a gold at the Grand Slam Tbilisi. He also secured a bronze at the European Championships, becoming the youngest Israeli to medal at the senior continental event. Despite a few unexpected losses, including one to Mongolian Tomonjergall Tuvshintur and two to Agayev, Assafiz has proven his ability to compete at the highest level. His idol is four-time world champion Hifumi Abe, whose aggressive style Assafiz emulates. Coaches Ido Romy and Golan Pollack have played significant roles in his development. Romy highlights Assafiz's strong grip fighting and tactical awareness, while noting his maturity and modesty. The article also touches upon the perceived neglect of grassroots development in Israeli judo by former association head Moshe Ponti, contrasting it with Assafiz's unexpected rise. Assafiz's mental fortitude, partly developed through his upbringing as the eldest of three siblings, including a brother with Down syndrome, and his academic success, including winning a Bible quiz, contributes to his focused approach. He enters the World Championships with high expectations, a significant shift from his early career. Other Israeli judokas competing include Raz Hershko, ranked number one in the over-78kg category, Gefen Primo, Tamar Nelson Levy, Inbal Shemesh, Karem Primo, Maya Goshen, Yonatan Elbaz, Ohad Moriitz, Roy Sion, and Yosef Simin. However, expectations are primarily focused on Assafiz and Hershko.