Georgia Sets the Pace as Veterans Begin in Sarajevo

The Sarajevo World Judo Championships Veterans 2026 began with the M1 and M2 divisions delivering a packed opening day across 14 weight categories. Georgia emerged as the leading nation, taking six gold medals and placing judoka on the podium throughout the programme.

Georgia’s strongest results included all-Georgian finals in M1 +100 kg, where Shota Zhorzholiani defeated Lasha Taveluri, and M2 -73 kg, where Mindia Liluashvili finished ahead of Levan Chubinidze. Giorgi Papunashvili added another Georgian title in M2 -100 kg, while Paata Ghvinashvili won the M2 +100 kg category.

Brazil also made a confident start with three titles. Lucas Godoy won M1 -73 kg, Caio Brigida topped M1 -81 kg and Leonardo Kubo claimed M2 -90 kg. Kazakhstan secured two M1 gold medals through Arken Kairatov at -60 kg and Yerassyl Tursynbekov at -90 kg.

European athletes featured strongly across the medal tables. France celebrated a title through Rythy Saing in M2 -60 kg, while Neal Van de Kamer of the Netherlands won M2 -81 kg. Belgium collected several medals, including silver finishes for Amer Ali Hatif in M1 -60 kg, Owen Marcelis in M1 -90 kg and Osman Hanci in M2 -90 kg.

Azerbaijan, Spain, Romania, the Czech Republic, Serbia and Latvia were also represented among the medal winners. Mammadali Mehdiyev took Azerbaijan’s gold in M1 -100 kg, while Ionut Munteanu of Romania and Igor Herrero Zapirain of Spain earned M2 bronze medals.

Georgia’s six gold medals gave the opening day a clear competitive storyline.

The first contests showed the technical level and commitment that define veterans judo, with athletes from around the world bringing years of experience to the tatami. With M1 and M2 now complete, the M3 and M4 divisions are scheduled to continue the championships on Monday.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation