Returning junior world champions from 2023 include Auchecorne (FRA) at -63 kg, Galandarzade (AZE) at -73 kg and Kawabata (JPN) at -90 kg, all of whom have held their position at the top of the world rankings for the entire year. Galandarzade is also the reigning European junior champion after he dominated his category in Tallinn just 4 weeks ago. Kawabata hasn’t fought a junior event since last year’s meet in Odivelas but has gained plenty of experience with Japan selecting him to compete on the World Judo Tour instead.
These three judoka are all world number ones, 3 of the 12 present on the entry list. Of the 12, two come from Azerbaijan. Two from Italy, two from Brazil and one each from the Netherlands, Uzbekistan, Georgia, France, Japan and Canada, meaning three continents are represented in top spots.
Among the 12, all have long lists of accolades and none will be willing to accept an empty pocket on their flight home from Dushanbe, so the draw will, as always be all-important. Get ready for it! The draw will be live on JudoTV at 2pm local time on Tuesday 1st October.