Israeli Judoka Wins Gold in World Championship in Qatar

Inbar Lanir scores surprise victory in women’s under-78kg category, overpowering France’s most medaled female judoka.

By Abigail Klein Leichman, ISRAEL21c

Inbar Lanir, 23, won a gold medal in the under 78-kilogram (172-pound) weight class at the World Judo Championships in Doha, Qatar, May 12.

The International Judo Federation called Lanir’s final victory over France’s Audrey Tcheumeo a “surprise” because Tcheumeo holds 36 medals — the most of any French judoka in history.

Thanking her coaches, sponsors and teammates, Lanir said she wanted “to dedicate this medal to my beloved country that is going through difficult times lately. Hoping for quieter and more peaceful moments soon.” She added that she is now focused qualifying for the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Previous Israelis who won gold medals at the World Championship are Yarden Gerbi (2013) and Sagi Muki (2019).

Two other Israelis won bronze medals at last week’s Doha competition were Peter Paltchik in the men’s 100-kilogram (220-pound) division and Raz Hershko in the women’s over-78 kg division.

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