Finishing a season at the top of the world rankings is never an accident. For Ayub Bliev, 2025 was the product of discipline, patience and steadfast commitment to progress a year that confirmed his place as the world number one in the fiercely competitive -60kg category.
Gold at the Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi was the final statement but it was the consistency across the entire year, victories in Tashkent, a European Championship final and another world championship medal that defined Bliev’s year.
“I rate 2025 very highly,” he reflects. “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.”
A Season of Completeness
For an athlete who has spent more than a decade at the elite level, completeness matters as much as medals. Bliev sees 2025 not simply as successful but balanced.
“It is important for me not only to win individual tournaments but to be competitive at all the key events of the year,” he says.
Among several standout moments, one competition sits above the rest. The World Championships in Budapest offered both a technical benchmark and an emotional test, proof that his judo holds up under the greatest pressure.
Longevity at the Elite Level
Remaining motivated for over 10 years on the international circuit is a challenge few manage successfully. For Bliev, the answer has always been renewal.
“The key is constant development, discipline in work and setting new goals at each stage of my career.”
Experience has reshaped his approach. Training is now about quality rather than volume, recovery is treated with the same seriousness as randori and competition schedules are managed with precision. On the tatami, that maturity shows.
“I am more balanced now. I understand tactics better and make more considered decisions.”
Central to that evolution are his coaches, Anzor Gaunov and Danila Abramovich, whom Bliev credits as the biggest influences on his development.
From Prodigy to Senior Leader
Bliev’s rise through cadet and junior stages was rapid, decorated with European medals at a young age. Yet the jump to senior level proved the most demanding transition of all.
“The senior category is a completely different level, physically and competitively.”
What allowed him to adapt was consistency in training, technical refinement and strong team support. His advice to the next generation is measured and honest.
“Be patient!” he emphasises. “Work on technique and physical fitness and don’t be afraid to gain experience at every stage.”
Mastering the -60kg Battlefield
The -60kg category is synonymous with speed, depth and relentless evolution. Bliev has watched it change year by year and adapted accordingly.
“The category has become even faster and more competitive. You must constantly improve and adjust.”
While younger opponents may bring explosive pace, Bliev counters with precision, tactical awareness and strategic control, hallmarks of a seasoned competitor.
“I rely more on tactics and accuracy now to neutralise faster opponents.”
Carrying the Weight of Number One
Being world number one brings confirmation but also responsibility.
“The responsibility remains. You must maintain a very high level.”
Bliev manages expectation by keeping his focus internal, maintaining open communication with his coaches and refusing to be distracted by outside noise. As one of the senior figures of his generation, he also recognises his influence.
“I feel a responsibility to be a role model and inspire younger athletes. Hard work and discipline always bring results.”
Motivation Undiminished
For 2026, the goals are clear: continued technical refinement, sharper tactical thinking and sustained physical conditioning. Titles matter but improvement matters more and despite everything he has achieved, the spark remains unchanged.
“What excites me is the competition itself, testing myself, putting my training into practice and showing my best judo every time I step onto the tatami.”
Author: Szandra Szogedi