Telma Monteiro Reaches Pinnacle of Judo World Rankings

Paris, France – Telma Monteiro of Portugal has officially become the world’s top-ranked judoka in the under-57 kilogram category, according to the latest rankings released by the International Judo Federation (IJF) on February 12, 2026. This marks a career milestone for the 29-year-old athlete, solidifying her position as a leading force in the sport.

The IJF rankings, a closely watched metric within the judo community, are based on performance in IJF-sanctioned events, including Grand Slams, Grand Prix, and Continental Championships. Monteiro’s consistent success throughout the 2025 season and strong start to 2026 propelled her to the top spot. The rankings are updated regularly, reflecting the dynamic nature of competitive judo.

A Consistent Rise to the Top

Monteiro’s journey to the No. 1 ranking hasn’t been sudden. She has been a consistent contender on the international stage for years, earning numerous medals and demonstrating a dedication to the sport. While specific details of her recent victories aren’t detailed in the IJF release, her overall performance has clearly resonated with the judging panel.

Judo, an Olympic sport since 1964, demands a unique blend of strength, agility, and tactical intelligence. The IJF, with a presence in over 200 countries, oversees the global development and promotion of the sport, emphasizing not just athletic prowess but also the core values of judo – respect, discipline, and fairness. The organization also actively promotes judo as a tool for peace, and education.

Recent IJF Events and the Competitive Landscape

The IJF has recently concluded several major events, including the Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026 in Georgia and the Paris International Tournament (ITC) 2026. The Paris ITC, held from February 9th to 12th, 2026, featured 511 judoka from 63 countries, showcasing the global reach of the sport. The Tbilisi Grand Slam saw Kaja Kajzer of Georgia secure a bronze medal in the -63 kg category, while Nace Herkovic and Metka Lobnik achieved notable placements in their respective weight classes.

The competitive landscape in the under-57 kg category is particularly fierce, with several athletes vying for the top spot. Monteiro’s ascent demonstrates her ability to consistently outperform her rivals and maintain a high level of performance under pressure. The IJF rankings provide a snapshot of the current standings, but the dynamic nature of the sport means that the rankings are constantly evolving.

Looking Ahead: Dushanbe Grand Slam 2026

The next major event on the IJF calendar is the Dushanbe Grand Slam 2026 in Tajikistan. This tournament will provide another opportunity for judoka to earn ranking points and further solidify their positions in the world rankings. One judoka is currently confirmed to participate. Monteiro is expected to compete, aiming to defend her No. 1 ranking and continue her winning streak.

The Dushanbe Grand Slam is a significant event for the judo community, attracting athletes from across the globe. It serves as a crucial stepping stone towards the ultimate goal for many judoka: competing at the Olympic Games. The IJF is committed to fostering the growth of judo worldwide, providing opportunities for athletes to compete at the highest level and showcase their skills.

Current World Rankings (Top Judoka)

As of February 12, 2026, the IJF rankings also highlight other leading judoka:

• Men:
• Balabay Aghayev (AZE) -60 kg
• Takeshi Takeoka (JPN) -66 kg
• Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov (UAE) -73 kg
• Timur Arbuzov (RUS) -81 kg
• Sanshiro Murao (JPN) -90 kg
• Dota Arai (JPN) -100 kg
• Inal Tasoev (RUS) +100 kg
• Women:
• Metka Lobnik (SLO) -78 kg

These rankings reflect the current state of competitive judo and provide a glimpse into the athletes who are dominating their respective weight classes. The IJF continues to monitor and update the rankings based on performance in sanctioned events.

For fans eager to follow the action, the IJF maintains a comprehensive video library with over 33,692 videos, including highlights from recent tournaments like the Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026. The IJF website (https://www.ijf.org/) serves as the central hub for all things judo, providing news, results, and information about upcoming events.

Telma Monteiro’s achievement is a testament to her dedication, skill, and perseverance. As she prepares for the Dushanbe Grand Slam and beyond, she will undoubtedly continue to inspire judoka around the world. The next confirmed checkpoint for fans will be the results from the Dushanbe Grand Slam, where Monteiro will look to maintain her position at the top.