Dardan Cena delivered a strong performance at the World Judo Championships in Baku, recording two wins in the -73 kg category and reaching the last 16. He defeated Ireland’s Joshua Green in his opening bout before securing a major victory over Georgian Olympic champion Lasha Shavdatuashvili. Although he lost in the third round, Cena earned 320 points toward the Olympic qualification ranking.
The points could prove important as the qualification process for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games began in 2026. Under the International Judo Federation (IJF) system, results at major events, including the World Championships, Grand Slam and Grand Prix tournaments, contribute to the Olympic ranking. Cena entered the championships with 630 points and ranked 72nd in the world in the -73 kg category.
His performance in Baku therefore gives him a valuable boost in the race for Los Angeles 2028. The IJF has confirmed that the Olympic ranking list will be published after the Baku World Championships. Kosovo is also represented by Laura Fazliu, Akil Gjakova and Shpati Zekaj.
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