Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2026: Heavyweights deliver a spectacular finale

By Euronews with IJF Published on 31 October 2026 - 21:08 GMT+1 It’s the final day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Closely watching the action was Judo legend Teddy Riner. “I’m very happy to come to Abu Dhabi. It's not my first time, but each time I come it’s a new event and more beautiful. As I know, the President works a lot for the athletes and for judo to come to the best places", he said. Ivaylo IVANOV of Bulgaria faced Mihail LATISEV of Moldova in the -90kg final. The veteran Bulgarian came from behind to seal a second grand slam title 11 years after his first! Mr Nureddin SEHWEIL, International Development Group Chairman, awarded the medals. Newly crowned world champion Yelyzaveta LYTVYNENKO of the UAE took on Patricia SAMPAIO of Portugal at -78kg. LYTVYNENKO executed a powerful counter attack to take gold on her first outing with the world champion’s red backpatch! A great result for the host nation. UAE Judo Federation President, His Excellency Mohammed Bin Tha'aloob Al DERIE awarded her the gold medal. In the -100kg final Aurelien DIESSE of France and Russia’s Idar BIFOV faced off. Bifov showed excellent skill in groundwork to armlock the Frenchman for the win! Triple Olympic and 12 time world champion Mr Teddy Riner awarded the medals. At +78kg Raz HERSHKO of Israel faced Helena VUKOVIC of Croatia. VUKOVIC put on a tactical masterclass to claim gold! International Judo Federation Head Referee Director Mr Armen BAGDASAROV awarded the medals. At +100kg Azerbaijan's Ushangi KOKAURI took on Georgia’s Irakli DEMETRASHVILI. The Georgian threw and then held world silver medalist Kokauri for his second grand slam gold medal of the year. International Judo Federation Head Sport Director Mr Vladimir BARTA awarded the medals. Goodbye from Abu Dhabi!