Gold and Glitz in Abu Dhabi: Heavyweights Prevail as Grand Slam Concludes

When the modern sporting circus alights in the Persian Gulf, the choreography is predictably flawless. The closing day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam delivered exactly what the International Judo Federation and its local hosts required: a crisp display of heavyweight authority, framed by dignitaries in immaculate suits and crowned by the endorsement of martial arts royalty.

French legend Teddy Riner, boasting three Olympic golds and twelve world titles, lent his considerable aura to the proceedings. Presenting medals on the final day, he noted that each time I come it's a new event and more beautiful, adding that the federation leadership works tirelessly to secure premier venues for the sport. It was a classic ceremonial nod to a host nation that spares no expense in asserting its position on the global athletic circuit.

On the mat, however, diplomacy gave way to ruthless efficiency. In the men’s -100kg division, Aurelien Diesse of France found himself entirely outmanoeuvred on the floor by Russia's Idar Bifov. Bifov secured victory by forcing a quick submission through an armlock, leaving the French finalist with second place under Riner’s watchful eye.

The host nation had already secured its own narrative victory in the women’s -78kg category. Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko, wearing the UAE colours alongside her world champion red backpatch, neutralized Portugal’s Patricia Sampaio with a swift counter-attack. The gold medal, presented by UAE Judo Federation President Mohammed Bin Tha'aloob Al Derie, provided the local organizers with a tidy return on their investment in elite talent.

Elsewhere, veteran endurance trumped youthful ambition. Bulgaria’s Ivaylo Ivanov claimed the -90kg crown by coming from behind against Moldova’s Mihail Latisev. For Ivanov, the victory arrived a full eleven years after his first Grand Slam title—a rare demonstration of longevity in a sport that rarely forgives the passage of time. International Development Group Chairman Nureddin Sehweil was on hand to deliver the hardware.

In the super-heavyweight divisions, technical discipline proved decisive. Croatia’s Helena Vukovic outmanoeuvred Israel’s Raz Hershko in a tactical contest at +78kg, with IJF Head Referee Director Armen Bagdasarov overseeing the podium ceremony. Meanwhile, Georgia’s Irakli Demetrashvili dominated Azerbaijan’s world silver medallist Ushangi Kokauri in the +100kg final, throwing and pinning his opponent to capture his second Grand Slam title of the year. IJF Head Sport Director Vladimir Barta finalized the formal proceedings.

As the mats were cleared in Abu Dhabi, the tournament ended precisely as designed: high-calibre physical attrition wrapped in polished organizational prestige. For the International Judo Federation and its Gulf hosts, the event offered another seamless demonstration of athletic performance meeting institutional spectacle.

Written by Thorben Thiede thorben.thiede@alpineweekly.com