She opened her campaign with a groundwork ippon against Sara Golden (USA), before delivering a perfectly executed left-sided o-soto-gari for ippon against Laura Vazquez Fernandez (ESP). She then overcame Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo (MGL) to secure her place in the final.
Awaiting Kaju was none other than the 2024 world champion, Joanne Van Lieshout (NED). The Dutch judoka began her day with an arm-lock victory over Louna-Lumia Seikkula (FIN), followed by a win on the ground via osaekomi against Anna Kriza (HUN), before overcoming Kaja Kajzer (SLO) in the semi-final.
The stage was set for a high-level final between two world champions. Van Lieshout received an early shido for stepping out of the contest area. Shortly afterwards, she was penalised again, this time for passivity. Constantly a step behind her opponent, the Dutch judoka struggled to impose her rhythm. As the final minute approached, she received a third penalty, handing victory to Haruka Kaju, who claimed the gold medal with control and authority. Haruka Kaju has attended a total of 7 IJF or continental events and has won gold at every one of them. This is an incredible record of domination, one which just keeps growing.
In the first bronze medal contest, Gaëtane Deberdt (FRA) faced Kaja Kajzer (SLO). Despite her efforts, Deberdt was unable to find a breakthrough and was countered, allowing Kajzer to secure the bronze medal.
Iva Oberan (CRO) and Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo (MGL) contested the second bronze medal match. The two judoka seemed to be heading towards golden score when, with only seconds remaining, Oberan found a narrow opening to score a yuko and claim the bronze medal.
Final (-63 kg)
Bronze Medal Fights (-63 kg)
