Judokas capture gold medals on final day in Abu Dhabi

Ivaylo Ivanov, Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko, Idar Bifov, Helena Vukovic, and Irakli Demetrashvili won gold medals on the final day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam on October 31, 2026. Euronews reported that the event concluded with heavyweight competition. Former judo champion Teddy Riner attended the tournament and praised the event organizers for their work for the athletes. [1]

In the men's under 90 kilogram final, Bulgarian judoka Ivaylo Ivanov came from behind to defeat Mihail Latisev of Moldova, Euronews reported. Teddy Riner noted that each time he visits Abu Dhabi it is a new and more beautiful event. [1]

The final day followed earlier action at the tournament. As FTMQ News reported earlier, judokas Angelika Szymanska, Hassan Doukkali, Tais Pina, and Petru Pelivan secured gold medals on the second day of the event. Hassan Doukkali won a historic first Grand Slam gold medal for Morocco, while Petru Pelivan earned a historic first Grand Slam gold medal for Moldova. [12]