Bucheon, South Korea – Lee Jun-hwan (Pohang City Hall), a rising star in men's judo, has triumphantly secured the gold medal in the -81kg category at the 2025 Asian Judo Championships held in Bangkok, Thailand. The final match, which took place on April 26th (Korean Standard Time) at the MCC Hall, saw the world No. 4 Korean judoka overcome world No. 5 Somon Makhmadbekov of Tajikistan in a hard-fought contest that extended into golden score.
From the outset of the final, Lee Jun-hwan engaged in relentless grip fighting, consistently probing for openings against his formidable Tajik opponent. He maintained control for the majority of the regulation time, showcasing his tactical prowess and physical strength. However, neither athlete managed to secure a decisive score, pushing the tension-filled encounter into the golden score period.
In the sudden-death overtime, Lee Jun-hwan demonstrated exceptional focus and agility. Just 15 seconds into the golden score, he executed a spectacular harai-goshi (sweeping hip throw) for a decisive waza-ari (half-point), sending him to the top of the podium and earning him the coveted gold medal.
Born in 2002, the 22-year-old Lee Jun-hwan has rapidly established himself as a key figure in South Korean judo. His medal collection already boasts bronze medals from the 2022 and 2023 World Judo Championships, a silver medal from the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, and a bronze medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics. His consistent success in major international tournaments underscores his potential to become a dominant force in the sport for years to come.
Lee's victory in Bangkok not only adds another significant achievement to his burgeoning career but also highlights the continued strength and depth of South Korean judo on the Asian continent. His ability to perform under pressure and secure victory against a top-ranked opponent like Makhmadbekov speaks volumes about his mental fortitude and technical skill.
While Lee Jun-hwan celebrated his golden achievement, other South Korean judokas who participated in the championships, including An Jae-hong (Korea Racing Authority) in the -73kg category, Kim Ju-hee (Chungcheongbuk-do Provincial Office) in the -57kg category, Shin Chae-won (Suncheon City Hall) and Heo Seul-mi (Ansan City Hall) in the -63kg category, and Lee Ye-rang (Korea National Sport University) and Kim Hye-mi (Gwangju Metropolitan Transit Corporation) in the -70kg category, unfortunately did not reach the podium. Their participation, however, reflects Korea's commitment to developing talent across various weight divisions.
Lee Jun-hwan's gold medal is a significant boost for South Korean judo as the nation continues to prepare its athletes for future international competitions, including the upcoming World Championships and the next Olympic Games. His dedication, coupled with the strong coaching and support system within the Korean judo federation, positions him as a strong contender for further accolades on the global stage.
The Asian Judo Championships serve as a crucial platform for athletes to test their skills against the best in the continent, and Lee Jun-hwan's victory is a testament to his hard work and the rigorous training he has undergone. His performance in Bangkok will undoubtedly inspire young judokas in South Korea and further elevate the nation's reputation in the international judo community.
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