Andy Granda

Havana, October 14 (JIT)-- The mixed team event, won by Japan, closed the curtains of the World Judo Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The final was a revenge for the Asians, as they had in front of them their tormentors of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic final, France, and took revenge with a score of 4-2.

Cuba was eliminated in its first match against Ukraine, paradoxically with a pair of setbacks by its only medalist, Andy Granda (+100 kg). 

The bronze medals went to Israel and Germany.

The hosts Japan swept the competition with 12 medals in 14 divisions, of which they won five. Judoists from 82 nations competed, but only 25 were able to reach the podium.

The Cuban delegation placed a creditable eighth place to once again rank among the best countries on the planet.

The last time Cuba was in the top ten was in Baku 2018, when it took two silver medals.

In the history of the world championships, Cuba has won 19 titles, as has Russia. Ahead only Japan (154), France (56), South Korea (29) and China (20) appear.

Only three of Cuba's 19 gold medals have been won by men.

The best performance of Cuban judo in world championships took place in Birmingham 1999, where the island's judoists came in second place by nations with four titles, two subtitles and two bronze medals.