Olympic champions, world medallists and hungry challengers will all step onto the tatami with the same ambition: to leave Qingdao with a statement victory. The following previews highlight the key contenders and storylines across the –48 kg, –52 kg, –57 kg, –60 kg and –66 kg categories, all ready to compete on day 1.
-48 kg: Boukli Leads the Charge at -48 kg
Shirine Boukli (FRA) will arrive as the overwhelming favourite in a relatively small field, yet one that promises no shortage of excitement. Olympic mixed team champion, an individual bronze medallist in Paris 2024 and world silver medallist, Boukli will be chasing yet another title in Qingdao.
Narantsetseg Ganbaatar (MGL), already a double grand slam winner and grand prix medallist, could well be the one to challenge the French judoka in the final. We will also keep a close eye on Mary Dee Vargas Ley (CHI), who is aiming for her first World Judo Tour medal after already securing three continental titles in Pan America.
–60 kg: All Eyes on Nakamura
Junior world champion in Guayaquil in 2022, world bronze medallist at senior level in 2024 and now ranked world number 5, Japan’s Taiki Nakamura enters Qingdao as the clear favourite in this category.
Korea’s Harim Lee has been part of his nation’s elite for many years. A World Judo Masters champion in 2022, with an additional seven World Judo Tour medals to his name, he is a strong contender for the podium.
Meanwhile, the two Tajik judoka, Muhammadsoleh Quvatov and Mehrzod Sufiev, could well emerge as dangerous outsiders ready to upset the established order.
–52 kg: Hungary’s Rising Star Faces a Tough Road in Qingdao
Her bronze medal at the recent world championships in Budapest thrilled the Hungarian crowd and firmly established her as one to watch. Just a few weeks later, she reached the final of the World University Games in Germany. Now, Roza Gyertyás (HUN) arrives in Qingdao with serious credentials as she targets her first World Tour title.
However, strong opposition awaits. In the opening round, she will face either a Mongolian or a North Korean competitor. Should she advance, a Korean or Japanese judoka could be next in line, a tough road ahead for the Hungarian.
In the lower half of the draw, Aleksandra Kaleta (POL) stands out as a strong contender, alongside Mongolia’s Uranzaya Bayanmunkh.
–66 kg: World Champion Showdown Looms
Another medallist from the recent world championships in Budapest could make headlines in Qingdao. Tajikistan’s Obid Dzhebov will be eager to add to his résumé with a second grand prix gold, following his first place finish in Dushanbe in 2023.
Korea’s Channyeong Kim will also be a strong contender for a podium finish. Although he has yet to medal at senior level, he claimed bronze at the junior worlds back in 2015 and his remains a name to watch.
Yet it may be two other judoka who ultimately dominate the conversation. Both appear in the lower half of the draw, meaning only one is likely to progress: Mongolia’s rugged Baskhuu Yondonperenlei, and none other than the 2024 world champion, Ryoma Tanaka (JPN). With such a clash looming, tension is guaranteed.
–57 kg: Tamaoki Stands Tall as the Favourite
At the top of the draw, world silver medallist Momo Tamaoki (JPN) looks almost untouchable. Her semi-final opponent is likely to be Aleksandra Kan (TJK) who, despite lacking major senior achievements so far, has twice finished seventh at grand slam level, results that hint at her growing potential.
In pool C, Croatia’s Ana Viktorija Puljiz arrives in China with confidence, having reached the final in Mongolia earlier this summer. She opens against a North Korean judoka whose capability remains unknown, which in itself makes her a dangerous opponent.
In pool D, Poland’s Arleta Podolak, junior world champion back in 2013, continues to chase senior success. With three World Judo Tour medals to her name, Qingdao could offer her the chance to add another to her collection.
