World Judo Championships 2026: Key Judokas to Watch in Baku

Haruka Kaju Leads the Japanese Contingent at the World Championships

While judo observers anticipated another potential double-gold bid from Japan’s Abe siblings—Hifumi in the -66kg division and Uta in the -52kg category—attention has shifted significantly toward the -63kg category. Haruka Kaju has established an unbroken win streak on the international circuit since emerging through a victory at the 2024 Kodokan Cup. According to international reports, Kaju has stacked 35 victories without conceding a single yuko, anchored by a formidable ground-fighting ne-waza style. French judoka Clarisse Agbégnénou addressed a potential matchup during a media appearance on the Super Moscato Show, noting that Kaju has expressed a desire to face her on the mat.

Beatriz Souza Returns to Global Competition in the Heavyweight Division

Brazil’s Beatriz Souza enters the +78kg competition in Baku following a strategic hiatus that lasted from June 2025 through April 2026. The Paris Olympic champion, who secured a semifinal victory over France’s Romane Dicko during the 2024 Games, experienced a fluctuating start to her return with a Pan American Championship outing and an early exit at the China tournament before capturing gold in Peru by defeating world number one Raz Hershko and Italy’s Asya Tavano. Sitting at 20th in the global rankings due to her absence, Souza will compete unseeded in Baku. Historical head-to-head records show Dicko leading Souza 4-2, while Léa Fontaine holds a 1-5 record against the Brazilian heavyweight, with neither French competitor having faced Souza since 2022.

Eteri Liparteliani Defends Georgia’s Emerging Momentum

Georgia’s representation on the international judo stage extends firmly to the women’s division through Eteri Liparteliani. The -57kg competitor secured a fifth-place finish at the Paris Olympics before claiming a historic title as the first Georgian woman to win a world championship in July, followed by a continental title in the spring. Liparteliani secured the European crown against Israel’s Nelson-Levy using a sasae technique. France’s Sarah-Léonie Cysique, who previously held an undefeated record across nine meetings against Liparteliani, has dropped her last two encounters to the Georgian fighter, including a defeat via tsuri-goshi at Lausanne in late August.

Muhiddin Asadulloev and Tajikistan’s Growing Presence in the -73kg Class

Tajikistan arrives in Baku carrying accelerated momentum following breakthrough medal performances at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where Somon Makhmadbekov took bronze in the -81kg division and Temur Rakhimov claimed heavyweight bronze. The nation’s younger cohort includes junior world champion Nurali Emomali and Obid Dzhebov. However, twenty-year-old Muhiddin Asadulloev enters the -73kg category as the world number one and junior world champion. Asadulloev previously eliminated France’s Dayyan Boulemtafes at the Paris tournament, establishing himself as a primary obstacle for competitors including Joan-Benjamin Gaba.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Baku World Championships

When and where are the World Judo Championships taking place?
The tournament opens on Sunday, Oct. 4, in Baku, Azerbaijan, marking the city’s second time hosting the event after the 2018 championships.

Who are the reigning heavyweights to watch in the women’s +78kg category?
Brazil’s Beatriz Souza returns to international competition unseeded following a competitive break, alongside top-ranked international challengers such as Romane Dicko and Léa Fontaine.

What is Haruka Kaju’s current competitive record?
Japan’s -63kg competitor Haruka Kaju enters the championships carrying a 35-match winning streak across the international circuit without conceding a yuko.