Kazakhstan’s Abuzhakynova Tops World Judo Rankings in Under-48kg Category
Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakh judoka Abiba Abuzhakynova has climbed to the top of the International Judo Federation (IJF) world rankings in the under-48 kilogram weight category, Sports.kz reported.
Abuzhakynova currently leads the standings with 5,021 points, ahead of Russia’s Sabina Giliazova with 4,738 points and Italy’s Assunta Scutto, who holds third place with 4,727 points.
Three other Kazakh judokas have also secured positions within the world’s top 15. Gusman Kyrgyzbayev ranks 12th in the under-66 kg category, Yeldos Smetov sits 15th in the under-60 kg division, and Abylaikhan Zhubanazar holds 15th place in the under-81 kg class.
Abuzhakynova’s achievement marks a historic moment for Kazakh judo, as only two athletes before her — Yeldos Smetov and Galbadrakh Otgontsetseg — had ever reached the top of the IJF world rankings.
The milestone comes shortly after Kazakhstan’s judokas concluded the World Judo Cadets Championships with an impressive tally of five medals, underscoring the country’s growing prominence in the international judo arena.
