**Debut of Judo at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Summer World University Games**
On Wednesday, July 23, a remarkable chapter was written in sports history with the initiation of the judo competition at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Summer World University Games. This unique discipline, which emphasizes the philosophy of maximizing efficiency while minimizing physical exertion, showcased athletes who understand that a single, skillfully executed move could end a bout in an instant, culminating in not only victory but sometimes in clinching a coveted medal.
Among the standout performances of the day was that of Helen Habib, a dedicated student-athlete representing Germany in the women’s -48 kg category. Her journey through the day culminated in a fiercely contested final match against Türkiye’s own Zilan Ertem. As the competition reached the three-minute mark, Habib executed a precise and flawless ippon, seizing the moment to assert her dominance and secure a bronze medal—a testament to her skill and perseverance.
**The Glory of Home Turf**
Following her impressive victory, Habib expressed her elation and gratitude, stating, “It was amazing, like, I can’t believe it. It was such a nice support from my family, friends and all the others, from my club.” The emotional impact of competing on home turf was evident as she felt surrounded by her entire support network, which seemed to bolster her performance. The 20-year-old judo practitioner, residing in Bottrop—just a stone’s throw from Essen—considered her proximity to the venue as an added layer of significance to her triumph. “I’m living here, like, 40 minutes away, so that’s really amazing. And I think it’s such an honour,” she said, while proudly highlighting her status as a physical education and sport student at the University of Cologne.
This commendable performance was not Habib’s first dance with success amidst a supportive crowd. Earlier in June, she had basked in the glory of winning a gold medal at the Berlin Junior European Cup, a testament to her rising trajectory in the sport. Reflecting on the thrill of competing in familiar territory, she remarked, “I think the home crowd fits me well, so I think that’s really nice. I think it’s pushing myself.”
**An Ambassador for the Games**
Helen Habib’s victories at home didn’t merely boost her confidence; they also earned her a place as one of the ambassadors of the FISU Games. Being locally-based, it was a natural fit. “They (FISU) texted me because they thought that I could also compete here, and everything worked out,” she said, exuding pride in representing her beloved region. This was not her initial experience in such a role; she had previously served as an ambassador during the Ruhr Games in 2021, thus further establishing her presence both locally and internationally.
Reflecting on the camaraderie among athletes at the FISU Games, Habib noted the importance of teamwork and connection across various sports disciplines. “I think it’s amazing having a really big team and connecting with other teams and also other sports,” she said, capturing the essence of what these games represent.
**Ambitions Beyond the Horizon**
Although the successful judo competition marked a significant milestone, Habib’s aspirations stretch far beyond her regional achievements. As a young judoka with dreams of competing at the highest level, she articulated her ambition to represent Germany on the global stage, particularly at the Olympic Games. “That would be a dream, yeah. A long way to go, but, of course, a dream. And I think it’s good to have dreams,” she declared, embodying the spirit of perseverance and ambition that resonates with aspiring athletes worldwide.
In the broader context of the judo competition, Japan’s Mizuki Harada triumphed over Zhuang Wenna from the People’s Republic of China in the final for the women’s -48 kg category, while another bronze medal was claimed by Uzbekistan’s Laziza Haydarova. The opening day of judo at Messe Essen also saw triumphs from gold medalists including Jang Seyun and Huh Mimi from the Republic of Korea in the women’s -52 kg and -57 kg categories, respectively, as well as Yamato Fukuda and Kairi Kentoku from Japan in men’s -60 kg and -66 kg classes.
Additionally, the Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s broader commitment to fostering talents beyond athletic competitions, providing aspiring sports journalists a platform to engage with and cover the events, further enriching the experience of the World University Games.