Distria Krasniqi, the world’s best judoka across all categories
Distria Krasniqi has climbed to the top of the world judo rankings, becoming not only the number one in the under-52-kilogram category, but also the highest-ranked judoka across all categories, women and men. After winning the silver medal at the World Championships in Budapest, she earned 1,400 new points, reaching
Distria Krasniqi has climbed to the top of the world judo rankings, becoming not only the number one in the under-52-kilogram category, but also the highest-ranked judoka across all categories, women and men.
After winning the silver medal at the World Championships in Budapest, she earned 1,400 new points, reaching 7,055 points – more than anyone else in the world.
Until now, the top spot was held by Frenchwoman Amandine Buchard with 5,700 points, but she is now second in her category.
The new rankings, published on Monday by the International Judo Federation, put Kosovo at the center of global attention.
Distria is the athlete with the most points across all categories, ahead of even the strongest male rivals, such as Russian Inal Tasoev (7,000 points) and Japanese judoka Sanshiro Murao (6,895).
World champion Uta Abe advanced six places and is now fifth in her category with 4,352 points. For the gold medal she won against Krasniqi, Abe was “rewarded” with 2,000 ranking points.
The rankings are key for Olympic qualification and seeding in major competitions, making this achievement even more important for Distria on the eve of the Olympic Games.
