The 2026 World Judo Championships in Baku delivered memorable performances as athletes competed for medals and recognition on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko achieved a landmark result by winning gold, while Georgia’s Ilia Sulamanidze also reached the top of the podium. Their victories highlighted the importance of technical skill, composure, and careful preparation in a sport where a single decisive move can determine the outcome of a match.
Lytvynenko Makes History in the Women’s Final
Competing in the under-78-kilogram division, Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko faced France’s Kaila Issoufi in a final that would determine a historic champion. Lytvynenko, representing the United Arab Emirates, entered the contest ranked second in the world and had worked her way through the competition to reach the decisive match.
She established an early advantage with an o-uchi-gari, a technique involving an inward reap of the opponent’s leg. The move earned her a waza-ari, a score awarded for a substantial but incomplete throwing action. She then secured a second score to finish the contest and claim the world title.
The victory marked the first time an athlete representing the UAE had won a judo world championship. It was also Lytvynenko’s first gold medal at the World Championships, making the achievement a defining moment in her career.
Issoufi had demonstrated strong form throughout the tournament, but Lytvynenko delivered when the opportunity mattered most. Her performance showed how effective timing and decisive execution can make the difference at the highest level of judo.
Sulamanidze Completes His Climb to Gold
Georgia’s Ilia Sulamanidze secured the men’s under-100-kilogram title by defeating Japan’s Dota Arai. For Sulamanidze, the result represented a major step forward after previously earning bronze at the World Championships.
Arai also arrived with an impressive record. He had collected world bronze in 2024 and silver in 2025, putting him within reach of his first championship gold. The final proved closely contested, with both judoka working to create scoring opportunities. Sulamanidze eventually earned a yuko, the lowest standard scoring award under the current rules, and that proved sufficient to secure the victory.
Unlike a final decided by a large throw, this contest demonstrated the importance of small advantages. Maintaining control, choosing the right moment to attack, and avoiding mistakes can be decisive when two highly skilled opponents are evenly matched. The win gave Sulamanidze his first world championship title and turned his earlier medal success into a gold-medal achievement.
Why These Victories Stand Out
Although the two finals unfolded differently, both athletes demonstrated the qualities required to succeed in elite judo. Lytvynenko produced an early scoring move before completing the contest, while Sulamanidze prevailed in a tighter match where a single score separated the finalists.
Judo requires a combination of balance, coordination, strength, and tactical awareness. Athletes must recognize openings quickly while anticipating their opponents’ movements. A successful attack often depends as much on timing and positioning as on physical power. World championship finals also bring additional pressure. Athletes must manage their energy, follow their strategy, and remain composed when a medal is within reach.
Lytvynenko’s historic victory and Sulamanidze’s first world title made October 9 a memorable day at the 2026 World Judo Championships in Baku. One established a new milestone for UAE judo, while the other completed his progression from previous world medalist to champion.
Their performances also offered two different examples of winning at the highest level: a decisive finish built on effective attacking technique and a closely fought contest settled by a narrow scoring advantage. Both results underline the skill and composure needed to turn years of preparation into a world championship triumph.
