Japan was guaranteed gold at -66 kg, as Shinsei Hattori and Kairi Kentoku were lined up to meet in an all-Japanese final. The category once again demonstrated the remarkable strength in depth of Japanese men’s judo, with two athletes from the same rising generation emerging from the field to contest the final in Lausanne. Although Hattori had been ranked 63rd in the world before the event, his place in the final was fully in keeping with the promise he had shown since winning the Chengdu FISU World University Games in 2023, where he captured his first major title with a spectacular ippon in less than five seconds. He had since taken Asian silver in 2024, grand slam bronze in Tokyo in 2025 and grand slam silver in Tashkent in 2026, where he had faced Hifumi Abe in the final.
Final, Shinsei Hattori (JPN) vs Kairi Kentoku (JPN).
Kentoku, also 22, had arrived in Lausanne ranked 20th in the world and with a similarly impressive recent record. Japanese champion in 2025, he had followed that success with gold at the Rhine-Ruhr FISU World University Games, silver at the Tokyo Grand Slam and bronze at the Paris Grand Slam this year. With 16 ippon victories from 34 international contests, his progress had been as visible as it had been decisive. The Lausanne final therefore brought together two young judoka already making their mark within one of the most competitive national systems in world judo.
Final, Shinsei Hattori (JPN) vs Kairi Kentoku (JPN).
As expected, the final was a closely fought contest between two judoka who knew each other perfectly and gave away nothing. Kentoku entered golden score with two penalties, opposite one for Hattori, but Hattori was then penalised again, bringing the score level. Four minutes into the additional period, the technique everyone had been waiting for finally arrived. Kentoku’s textbook uchi-mata was magnificent; ippon and the gold medal. This is his first at grand slam level.
After his final, Kentoku spoke enthusiastically, “I feel so honoured to become a champion for the first time in Switzerland, especially since this was my first time competing in this country and on such a great stage. When I won, I broke down in tears because I immediately thought of everyone who has supported me along the way, my university head coach, my other coaches, friends and parents. Winning this title brought all of their faces to mind.”
Bronze medal contest, Vadym Chernov (UKR) vs Ramazan Abdulaev (RUS).
The bronze medal contests brought together Vadym Chernov (UKR) with Ramazan Abdulaev (RUS), and Channyeong Kim (KOR) with David Garcia Torne (ESP). Chernov took the lead in the first contest with a yuko, immediately answered by Abdulaev’s own score.
Bronze medal contest, Channyeong Kim (KOR) vs David Garcia Torne (ESP).
In golden score, Abdulaev countered his opponent for the yuko that secured him the bronze medal. The second bronze medal went to Garcia Torne, adding another fine result to the Spanish judoka’s record.
Medals, cheques and presents were presented by Mrs Petra Sörling, IOC Member and President of President of the International Table Tennis Federation, and Mr Igor Juzon, President of Eventeam.
Bronze Medal Fights (-66 kg)
