Haruka Kaju Brings Her Gold-Medal Run to Baku

Haruka Kaju arrives in Baku as the judoka to beat in the -63 kg category. The Japanese athlete has won gold at every international event since making her debut at the Tokyo Grand Slam on 7 December 2024.

That streak has already continued through 2026, with victories in Tbilisi and Ulaanbaatar. In a division packed with experienced challengers, Kaju’s consistency has made her the central figure before the contest begins.

Haruka Kaju has yet to finish an international event without gold.

Her route could quickly become demanding. Gankhaich Bold of Mongolia is a potential quarter-final opponent, while Joanne van Lieshout of the Netherlands could await in the semi-finals. Van Lieshout is looking to regain the world title she won in 2024, adding extra weight to a possible meeting with Kaju.

European judoka are strongly represented among the leading contenders. France has two major names in the field: Manon Deketer is drawn in Van Lieshout’s quarter, while Clarisse Agbegnenou is chasing a seventh world title.

Agbegnenou’s return has already been one of the standout stories at -63 kg. Ranked 38th in the world after the birth of her second child, the French champion took bronze in Lausanne at the end of August. A place on the world podium in Baku would be another remarkable step in her comeback.

Poland’s Angelika Szymanska and Kosovo’s Laura Fazliu also arrive with medal ambitions, alongside Mongolia’s Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo. Croatia’s Iva Oberan is another athlete who cannot be dismissed in a category where one strong contest can reshape the whole draw.

Rafaela Silva of Brazil and Canada’s Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard complete a formidable list of challengers. With only four podium places available, the -63 kg competition leaves little room for mistakes.

Kaju’s record makes her the favourite, but Baku offers a deep field ready to test every part of her unbeaten international run.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation