The Baku World Judo Championships delivered two memorable finals on the penultimate day, with history made in the women's -78kg category and a long-awaited breakthrough for a Georgian powerhouse in the men's -100kg.
Lytvynenko's landmark victory
Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko, competing under the UAE flag, entered the final as the world number two and the clear favourite. Her path through the draw had been marked by composed, technical judo, but the pressure of a world final is a different test altogether. Facing her was France's Kaila Issoufi, who had impressed throughout the tournament with aggressive attacks and sharp transitions.
From the opening exchanges, Lytvynenko imposed her rhythm. A well-timed o-uchi-gari caught Issoufi off balance and earned a waza-ari, giving the Ukrainian-born judoka an early lead. She did not relent, adding a second score moments later to seal the contest and, with it, a place in the history books.
This was not just Lytvynenko's first world title; it was the first judo world championship gold ever won by an athlete representing the United Arab Emirates. The achievement resonates beyond the tatami, marking a milestone for a nation that has invested heavily in developing its judo programme in recent years. IOC Member Mrs Filomena Fortes presented the medals.
Sulamanidze turns bronze into gold
In the men's -100kg category, Georgia's Ilia Sulamanidze arrived in Baku with a point to prove. A bronze medallist at the 2025 World Championships, he had shown remarkable consistency throughout the season, and his performances in the Azerbaijani capital suggested he was ready to take the final step.
His opponent in the final was Japan's Dota Arai, a judoka with his own ambitions. Arai had claimed world bronze in 2024 and silver in 2025, and a gold in Baku would complete a remarkable rise. The final was tense and tactical, with both athletes cautious in the opening minutes. The decisive moment came when Sulamanidze executed a clean yuko that the Japanese defence could not answer. The Georgian held on to claim his first world title, upgrading his previous bronze to gold.
Sulamanidze's victory continues a proud tradition of Georgian judo, which has produced numerous world and Olympic champions. His win was celebrated by the Georgian National Federation of Aquatic Sports President, Mr Dimitri Abdushelisvili, who awarded the medals.
The championships in Baku have showcased the depth of European judo, with strong performances from France, Georgia, and other nations. As the sport continues to grow globally, the achievements of athletes like Lytvynenko and Sulamanidze highlight the increasing competitiveness of the field.
