From the opening contests through to the final medal ceremonies, the programme unfolded smoothly and with real competitive energy. The experienced judoka on display brought technical quality, commitment and the unmistakable fighting spirit that makes veteran judo so special. Every contest carried its own importance, while the atmosphere in the arena reflected the shared respect and lifelong connection to judo that unite competitors from around the world.
A first look at the medal distribution confirms the strong presence of several nations. Georgia made the most emphatic statement on day one, collecting six gold medals across the M1 and M2 divisions and placing athletes on the podium throughout the programme. Their depth was especially evident in the heavier categories but their success extended across the full range of weights.
Brazil also enjoyed an excellent opening day, claiming three titles and earning further podium finishes, while Kazakhstan secured two gold medals and showed its strength across the M1 categories. France celebrated a title in the M2 -60 kg group and was represented among the medal winners consistently, alongside Belgium, Azerbaijan, the Netherlands, Spain, Romania, Japan and many other nations.
This early spread of medals underlines both the international reach of the championships and the competitive depth of the veteran community. Sarajevo has already welcomed athletes from across the world, all bringing their own stories, experience and ambition to the tatami.
With the M1 and M2 categories now complete, the championships have begun with real momentum. On Monday, the M3 and M4 categories will take over, promising another full day of intense and inspiring judo.
VETERANS M1
-60 kg
- 1. Arken Kairatov (KAZ)
- 2. Amer Ali Hatif (BEL)
- 3. Abulfat Ismayilov (AZE)
- 4. Elmaddin Hasanov (AZE)
-66 kg
- 1. Givi Nadareishvili (GEO)
- 2. Dauren Aldynazarov (KAZ)
- 3. Irakli Kupatadze (GEO)
- 3. Linar Basyrov (RUS)
-73 kg
- 1. Lucas Godoy (BRA)
- 2. Giorgi Shukvani (GEO)
- 3. Kakha Tsagareli (GEO)
- 3. Laurens De Cabooter (BEL)
-81 kg
- 1. Caio Brigida (BRA)
- 2. Shota Okropiridze (GEO)
- 3. Mahir Abbasov (AZE)
- 3. Nika Khutsishvili (GEO)
-90 kg
- 1. Yerassyl Tursynbekov (KAZ)
- 2. Owen Marcelis (BEL)
- 3. Joshgun Abdullayev (AZE)
- 3. Toma Tavzarashvili (GEO)
-100 kg
- 1. Mammadali Mehdiyev (AZE)
- 2. Nodari Beriani (GEO)
- 3. Eldari Meskhishvili (GEO)
- 3. Milton Miranda (BRA)
+100 kg
- 1. Shota Zhorzholiani (GEO)
- 2. Lasha Taveluri (GEO)
- 3. Beka Tskalobashvili (GEO)
- 3. Thibault Clause (FRA)
VETERANS M2
-60 kg
- 1. Rythy Saing (FRA)
- 2. Aleksandr Gorin (RUS)
- 3. Ioseb Margiani (GEO)
- 3. Giorgi Naskidashvili (GEO)
-66 kg
- 1. Paata Merebashvili (GEO)
- 2. Kaike Albuquerque (BRA)
- 3. Gael Andre Dit Gallas (FRA)
- 3. Ivane Kurasbediani (GEO)
-73 kg
- 1. Mindia Liluashvili (GEO)
- 2. Levan Chubinidze (GEO)
- 3. Ionut Munteanu (ROU)
- 3. Rikiya Matsumoto (JPN)
-81 kg
- 1. Neal Van de Kamer (NED)
- 2. Bojan Ivezic (SRB)
- 3. Kevin Haine (BEL)
- 3. Levs Jofe (LAT)
-90 kg
- 1. Leonardo Kubo (BRA)
- 2. Valerian Jorjoliani (GEO)
- 3. Osman Hanci (BEL)
- 3. Igor Herrero Zapirain (ESP)
-100 kg
- 1. Giorgi Papunashvili (GEO)
- 2. Zviad Kapanadze (GEO)
- 3. Thomas Van Gestel (NED)
- 3. Farkhad Ruzukulov (KAZ)
+100 kg
- 1. Paata Ghvinashvili (GEO)
- 2. Michal Horak (CZE)
- 3. Zaza Davadze (GEO)
- 3. Gegi Tamliani (GEO)
