The Cuban judo delegation failed to reach the podium at the 2025 World Championship in Budapest, held in Hungary, and finished its participation in 24th place out of 93 countries.
This repeats a trend that raises concerns for Cuban sports: it is the third consecutive World Championship without medals, something that has not happened since Essen 1987, according to data provided by the site JIT.
Cuban performance: an early blow and no answers
In the latest round of individual events, the greatest medal hopes were placed on Andy Granda (+100 kg), world champion in Tashkent 2022, but he was shockingly eliminated in his first match.
The Serbian Kokauri Ushangi surprised him with a technique that unbalanced him in just over 30 seconds, achieving an initial waza-ari and then a 15-second hold that awarded him the waza-ari-awasete-ippon, thereby eliminating the Cuban from the competition.
The same fate befell his compatriots Jonathan Loynaz (+100 kg), who was defeated by the Cypriot Giannis Antoniou, and Deyanara Curbelo (78 kg), who lost to the Japanese Mao Arai, the tournament's runner-up.
Japan leads, Cuba drifts away
Japan dominated the medal table with 6 golds, 4 silvers, and 4 bronzes, securing its lead even before the final day. Russia, competing without a flag, won three titles, while Italy, Georgia, France, and South Korea shared the remaining titles.
For Cuba, the outcome represents a sustained decline. In the last five world championships, only Granda's gold medal in 2022 has prevented a total void. Since 1987, there has always been at least one medal in these events, with figures like Idalis Ortiz (silver in Tokyo 2019) and Jorge Fis Castro marking golden eras.
A new normal for Cuban judo?
To finish outside the podium four times in the last five championships is more than just a warning: it is a call for reflection. It is worth recalling that Cuba ranks sixth in the historical medal count of the world championships.
The international context is complex, the quality in other nations has improved, and resources on the Island are limited. But the question remains: Should a nation with such tradition settle for these results?
The answer seems clear: no. A thorough review is urgent, along with a renewed strategy and the political and sporting will to regain the lost path.
Frequently asked questions about the decline of Cuban judo at the Budapest 2025 World Championships
Why is Cuban judo declining in the world championships?
The decline of Cuban judo in world championships is primarily due to a lack of resources, infrastructure, and proper training. The desertion of athletes and the lack of financial incentives have also impacted the performance of the Cuban team, resulting in a lack of medals in recent world championships.
What were Cuba's results at the 2025 World Judo Championship in Budapest?
Cuba did not manage to win any medals at the 2025 World Judo Championships in Budapest, finishing in 24th place among 93 countries. Andy Granda, who was one of the top medal hopes, was eliminated in his first match. Other Cuban judokas also failed to advance in their respective categories, contributing to the team's disappointing outcome.
Which countries topped the medal table at the 2025 Budapest Judo World Championships?
Japan led the medal tally at the 2025 Budapest Judo World Championship with 6 golds, 4 silvers, and 4 bronzes. Russia, competing without a flag, as well as Italy, Georgia, France, and South Korea also stood out at the event, sharing the remaining titles.
What measures can be taken to improve the performance of Cuban judo in the future?
To improve the performance of Cuban judo in the future, a thorough review and a renewed strategy are necessary, which should include enhancing infrastructure, increasing available resources, and providing incentives for athletes. Political and sporting will is also required to address these challenges and to restore the tradition of success in Cuban judo.
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