The -48 kg Judo Crown Is Still Anyone’s to Claim

Xinran Hui (CHN) enters the -48 kg judo competition as world number one, but the race for the top of the podium is far from settled. Her results across Lausanne, Qingdao, Dushanbe and the 2026 Asian Championships have confirmed her place among the category’s leading athletes, yet she will need another step forward to turn that ranking into a major medal.

Hui finished third in Lausanne in August and has shown she can contend with the strongest names in the division. The challenge now is to deliver when the draw brings the pressure. If results follow expectations, she could face her teammate Wenna Zhuang (CHN) in the semi-finals.

That route may be difficult from the beginning. Shirine Boukli (FRA) and Assunta Scutto (ITA) are among the leading contenders who could stand in Hui’s way, potentially as early as the opening round. Their presence gives Europe a strong role in a category where one tight contest can quickly reshape the medal picture.

The -48 kg field brings world-ranking pressure and serious early-round danger.

The lower half of the draw also deserves close attention. Laura Martinez Abelenda (ESP), ranked world number two, arrives after reaching the Lausanne final at the end of August. She is joined by Sabina Giliazova (RUS), whose experience at 32 makes her another important athlete to watch.

Wakana Koga (JPN) adds further depth to the contest. A bronze medallist at the 2025 World Championships, she has the credentials to challenge anyone in the field. With Hui, Zhuang, Boukli, Scutto, Martinez Abelenda, Giliazova and Koga all in contention, the final outcome is difficult to predict.

By Sunday evening, 4 October, the category will reveal whether the rankings have held firm or whether the -48 kg division has delivered another surprise.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation