Kazakh Judoka Makes History as World’s Best in Under-48 kg Division

Kazakh judoka Abiba Abuzhakynova has claimed the top spot in the International Judo Federation (IJF) world rankings in the under-48 kilogram weight category, a landmark achievement in her athletic career and for Kazakhstan’s growing judo legacy.

Abuzhakynova now holds 5,021 points, placing her ahead of Sabina Giliazova of Russia (4,738 points) and Assunta Scutto of Italy (4,727 points) in a closely contested leaderboard, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Her rise to No. 1 makes her only the third Kazakh athlete in history to lead the IJF world rankings, joining Yeldos Smetov and Galbadrakh Otgontsetseg, two of the nation’s most celebrated judokas.

Kazakhstan’s strong presence in international judo is further reflected by the global rankings of three other athletes:

Gusman Kyrgyzbayev ranks 12th in the under-66 kg division

Yeldos Smetov, a former world champion, is 15th in the under-60 kg category

Abylaikhan Zhubanazar also holds 15th place in the under-81 kg class

These achievements underscore the growing impact of Kazakhstan’s judo program on the global stage. Most recently, Kazakh cadet judokas brought home five medals from the World Judo Cadets Championships, further highlighting the country’s deepening talent pool and competitive spirit.