World Ranking Leader U60kg Ayub Bliev

Ayub Bliev finished 2025 as the leader of the IJF World Ranking in the U60kg category after one of the most complete seasons of his career. The experienced lightweight combined consistency across the major events with several standout victories on the World Judo Tour.

Bliev’s year included gold medals at the Grand Slams in Tashkent and Abu Dhabi, a silver medal at the European Championships in Podgorica and a bronze medal at the World Championships in Budapest. That combination of results secured his place at the top of the ranking and confirmed his status as one of the most reliable athletes in the division.

“I rate 2025 very highly,” Bliev said. “It was a busy and truly successful year. Finishing with gold in Abu Dhabi and maintaining the number one position is the result of great teamwork and a constant desire to move forward.”

For Bliev, success is not measured by one result alone but by consistency throughout the season. Competing for more than a decade at the highest level, he believes longevity comes from constant development and discipline.

“The key is to keep improving and to set new goals at each stage of your career,” he explained.

With experience, his approach has evolved. Training now focuses on quality, recovery and tactical preparation rather than sheer volume. On the tatami he relies increasingly on precision, timing and tactical awareness to control the fast and highly competitive U60kg division.

Guided by coaches Anzor Gaunov and Danila Abramovich, Bliev continues to refine his judo while embracing the responsibility that comes with being the world’s top-ranked athlete.

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