Simin, 21, has established himself among the category’s most in-form athletes. The Serbian won his first grand prix title in Lima in 2025 before taking junior world bronze in the same period. In 2026, he claimed bronze at the European Championships and added bronze medals at the Tbilisi and Ulaanbaatar grand slams.
The final was intense from start to finish. Simin tried everything to find an opening, while Hojo controlled the exchanges and forced his opponent to take penalties. Golden score was needed to decide the result. Hojo remained patient, contained Simin’s attacks and once again induced an error. A third penalty for Simin gave the Japanese judoka the title.
After the final, Yoshito Hojo showed his satisfaction, "It has been a while since I last competed internationally, so I am extremely happy to win the gold medal. I think what made the difference between victory and defeat was my determination to keep attacking relentlessly without taking a break, which I believe was stronger than my opponent's. So many young children came to watch today and were supporting me, which made me truly happy; I hope everyone continues to watch and support me moving forward."
Vasilije Grujicic (SRB) faced Murodjon Yuldoshev of Uzbekistan for one bronze medal. Slovenia’s Nace Herkovic then met Vusal Galandarzade (AZE) for the other.
Yuldoshev secured his place on the podium with two yuko scores, the first from o-uchi-gari and the second from ko-uchi-gari. In the second bronze medal contest, Galandarzade emerged victorious after scoring a waza-ari with seoi-otoshi.