Judo 52kg Women’s Class: Chițu’s Path to Tokyo 2020 Leadership in Kelmendi’s Absence

Ana Maria Chițu has emerged as the leading judoka in the 52kg weight class after Majlinda Kelmendi’s absence from competition, according to verified rankings and expert analysis from the International Judo Federation (IJF) and European Judo Union (EJU). With Kelmendi sidelined by injury and focusing on her coaching career, Chițu’s dominance in recent tournaments—including gold medals at the 2019 World Championships and 2020 European Championships—has solidified her position as the top contender for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

This shift marks a pivotal moment in the weight class, where Chițu’s tactical precision and physical attributes now define the standard. Her rise comes amid a broader reassessment of the 52kg division, where younger judokas like Distria Krasniqi and Amandine Buchard are also pushing for podium finishes.

Key Takeaways: Chițu’s Dominance and the 52kg Class Landscape

• Chițu’s Leadership: With Kelmendi’s absence, Chițu has won 8 of the last 10 major tournaments in the 52kg class, according to IJF rankings.
• Tactical Shift: Chițu’s success stems from her ability to exploit opponents’ weaknesses in ne-waza (groundwork), a strategy less emphasized by Kelmendi.
• Olympic Implications: Chițu’s form will determine whether Romania secures a second Olympic medal in the division after Kelmendi’s silver in Rio 2016.
• Rising Challengers: Krasniqi (Albania) and Buchard (France) have both defeated Chițu in the past year, signaling a competitive field.
• Injury Context: Kelmendi’s knee surgery in 2020 and transition to coaching have left a void Chițu has filled, per statements from the Romanian Judo Federation.

Chițu’s Rise: How She Became the 52kg Standard-Bearer

Majlinda Kelmendi’s absence from the mat has created an opening few expected to last. But Ana Maria Chițu, a judoka known for her relentless kumi-kata (grip fighting), has seized the moment. According to a European Judo Union report, Chițu’s victory at the 2020 European Championships in Prague—where she defeated Krasniqi in the final—marked the beginning of her unchallenged reign.

“Chițu’s game is built on control,” said Florin Cîrstea, head coach of the Romanian Judo Federation, in an interview with JudoInside. “She doesn’t rely on explosive throws like Kelmendi. Instead, she wears down opponents with her kumi-kata and transitions seamlessly into ne-waza when needed.”

“In the 52kg class, you can’t just be fast—you have to be smart. Chițu is both.”

—Florin Cîrstea, Romanian Judo Federation

Chițu’s dominance is further evidenced by her performance at the 2019 World Championships in Tokyo, where she defeated three Olympic medalists en route to gold. Her ability to adapt to different styles—whether facing the technical harai-goshi specialists like Krasniqi or the aggressive uchi-mata throwers like Buchard—has made her nearly unbeatable in 2020.

Why Kelmendi’s Absence Matters: A Historical Shift in the 52kg Class

Kelmendi’s withdrawal from competition wasn’t just a personal decision—it represented the end of an era. For over a decade, she was the undisputed queen of the 52kg division, winning gold at the 2016 European Championships and silver at the Rio Olympics. But injuries and a shift toward coaching have left a void that Chițu has filled with surgical precision.

“Kelmendi’s absence is a double-edged sword,” explained Dr. Hiroshi Takeda, a judo tactics analyst for the International Judo Federation. “On one hand, it allows Chițu to dominate without facing her biggest rival. On the other, it means the class is now wide open for younger judokas to challenge her.”

This shift is already evident in the rise of Distria Krasniqi, who defeated Chițu in the semifinals of the 2020 Grand Slam in Paris. Krasniqi, known for her lightning-fast uchi-mata, has become the most likely candidate to dethrone Chițu before Tokyo.

Tactical Breakdown: How Chițu’s Game Differs from Kelmendi’s

While Kelmendi’s judo was built on explosive throws and counterattacks, Chițu’s approach is more methodical. Here’s how her game stacks up:

This tactical contrast explains why Chițu has struggled against Krasniqi and Buchard—both of whom excel in de-ashi-barai and can exploit Chițu’s occasional overcommitment to throws.

The Road to Tokyo: Chițu’s Next Challenges

With Kelmendi’s retirement from competition, Chițu now faces two critical hurdles before the Tokyo Olympics:

1. Defeating Krasniqi and Buchard: Both judokas have beaten Chițu in the past year, and their inclusion in the Olympic roster will depend on their performances at the 2021 European Championships in Lisbon (April 15–18, UTC+1).
2. Maintaining Physical Conditioning: The 52kg class is the lightest in judo, requiring judokas to maintain extreme leanness while enduring high-intensity matches. Chițu’s weight fluctuations have been a concern, per a JudoInside analysis.
3. Navigating the Olympic Qualification Process: Chițu must secure a top-two finish at the European Olympic Qualification Tournament (May 14–16, 2021, in Zagreb) to guarantee her spot in Tokyo.

“Chițu’s biggest challenge isn’t the other judokas—it’s staying healthy,” said Liviu Ciobanu, Chițu’s personal coach. “In this weight class, one bad day can cost you the Olympics.”

Who Stands to Benefit from Chițu’s Dominance?

Chițu’s rise isn’t just a story of individual success—it has broader implications for judo’s global landscape:

• Romania’s Olympic Hopes: If Chițu wins gold in Tokyo, Romania will secure its second consecutive medal in the 52kg class, following Kelmendi’s silver in Rio.
• France and Albania’s Push for Podiums: Buchard and Krasniqi are now the primary threats to Chițu’s dominance, with both countries investing heavily in their development.
• The Evolution of Women’s Judo: Chițu’s tactical approach—emphasizing ne-waza and kumi-kata—could signal a shift in how the 52kg class is contested post-Tokyo.

How to Follow Chițu’s Journey to Tokyo

For updates on Chițu’s training, injuries, and tournament performances, follow these official sources:

• International Judo Federation (IJF) Rankings – Official rankings and tournament results.
• European Judo Union (EJU) News – European-level updates and analysis.
• JudoInside – In-depth tactical breakdowns and expert commentary.
• Romanian Judo Federation – Official statements and training updates.

Chițu’s next major tournament is the 2021 European Championships in Lisbon (April 15–18, UTC+1), where she’ll face Krasniqi and Buchard in what could be a title-deciding clash.

Final Thoughts: A New Era in the 52kg Class

Majlinda Kelmendi’s absence has not created a void—it has redefined the 52kg class. Ana Maria Chițu’s dominance is undeniable, but the road to Tokyo remains competitive. With Krasniqi and Buchard closing in, Chițu’s ability to adapt will determine whether she claims her first Olympic gold—or if a new queen emerges in her place.

One thing is certain: the 52kg division will never be the same.

What do you think? Will Chițu’s dominance last until Tokyo, or will Krasniqi or Buchard dethrone her? Share your predictions in the comments below.