Andreja Leski (SLO) back in action at the Tashkent Grand Slam 2024

In the U63kg category, the outliers are second seed Katarina Kristo (CRO) and eighth seed Geke Van Den Berg (NED), both facing a drought in major medals despite their past successes. With the field wide open, predicting the podium finishers becomes a challenging task. However, the spotlight shines brightest on the overwhelming favorite for the gold medal, world number 11 Andreja Leski.

Iva Oberan (CRO) aims to build on her recent bronze in Dushanbe, while Cristina Cabana Perez (ESP) seeks redemption after narrowly missing out on medals in previous tournaments. 

With Andrea Leski (SLO) and Maylin Del Toro Carvajal (CUB) already holding direct Olympic qualification spots, and four others teetering on the edge of continental quota positions, the final standings in Astana will carry significant weight in the Olympic ranking list.

Daria Liluashvili’s (AIN) rapid rise in the rankings continues, fueled by her silver in Dushanbe, positioning her for a potential Olympic qualifying spot with another strong showing in Astana. Anriquelis Barrios, a seasoned competitor with five grand slam medals, aims to secure her continental quota position with a podium finish. 

Japan’s Minami Aono, despite being a relative newcomer, has already made a mark with a bronze at the Upper Austria Grand Prix, signaling her potential to contend at the highest level.