Sheyla Hernández (left) claimed her first world title. Photo: Via Facebook

Gold for Holguin native at IBSA Judo World Championships

Sheyla Hernández, a native of Holguin, won the gold medal at the IBSA Judo World Championships, which concluded this Sunday in Georgia.

Competing in the +70 kg division (J2 category), Hernández secured the title by defeating Italy’s Carolina Costa in the final. This match served as a rematch of the Baku 2022 contest. Also where Sheyla had finished with the silver medal after being held in a ground-hold (immobilization).

The Cuban sports publication *Jit* highlights that Sheyla took the lead with a *yuko*. But Costa responded with a similar technique to level the score. Subsequently, Hernández scored a *waza-ari* and managed to pin the Italian athlete to clinch the gold medal.

For the para-athlete from Holguin, this was her first gold medal at the IBSA World Championships and the third in her record at these events. In addition to her second-place finish in Baku 2022, she also holds a bronze medal from Astana 2025.

The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Judo World Championships is the premier event for visually impaired judokas.

Roberto Carlos Rodríguez Torres
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