Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2026 concludes with major judo victories

The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam judo competition concluded with several notable performances across multiple weight categories. In the under 90 kg category, Bulgarian veteran Ivaylo Ivanov secured his second Grand Slam title by defeating Moldova's Mihail Latisev, marking his first such win in 11 years.

Representing the host nation, world champion Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko won gold in the -78 kg category after a powerful counterattack against Portugal's Patricia Sampaio. In the -100 kg division, Russia's Idar Bifov defeated France's Aurelien Dies using ground technique to secure the victory.

Other winners included Croatia's Helena Vukovic in the +78 kg category, who defeated Israel's Raz Hershko, and Georgia's Irakli Demetashvili, who secured gold in the +100 kg category by defeating Ushangi Kokauri.