Kazakhstan wins historic gold at World Judo Championships

Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan’s national judo team has won the team event at the Cadet World Championships in Ecuador for the first time in history.

In the final of the mixed team event, Kazakhstan defeated Brazil 4:3. Iyanat Zhubatkan secured the decisive victory in the under-48 kg category.

During the tournament, Kazakhstan also defeated Bulgaria, Japan and Uzbekistan.

Kazakh judokas had never previously won a team event at a World Championship in any age category.

Kazakhstan Are World Champions: Winning Lineup

Kazakhstan’s lineup in the final included Gabit Rassulkhan (under 60 kg), Inzhu Zhumadan (under 63 kg), Yerken Bekali (under 81 kg), Togzhan Tolebay (over 63 kg), Adilzhan Zhaudinov (over 81 kg) and Iyanat Zhubatkan (under 48 kg).

Photo: International Judo Federation

Kazakhstan triumphs in the overall team standings

The gold medal in the mixed team competition capped an outstanding tournament for the national team. At the 2026 Cadet World Judo Championships, Kazakhstan won 11 medals — four gold, three silver and four bronze.

According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the boys’ team finished first in the overall standings, while the girls’ team placed second.