The Zagreb Grand Prix ended in style. Ivaylo Ivanov, Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko, Nikoloz Sherazadishvili, Celia Cancan and Kanan Nasibov took gold, while Croatia’s Helena Vukovic earned bronze, rounding off an outstanding weekend of judo.
The third and final day of the 2025 Zagreb Grand Prix promised to deliver more exhilarating action inside the Arena Zagreb.
A great crowd amassed to watch some of the highest quality judo on offer and they were not disappointed…
After a close contest in the -90 kg final, it was Ivaylo IVANOV who bested former world champion Luka MAISURADZE with a well timed tomoe-nage in golden score, securing a fifth Grand Prix gold medal of his career.
IJF Medical Commission Chair, Dr Antonio CASTRO was on hand to award the medals.
The -78 kg category saw Marie BRANSER become the first athlete from Guinea to reach a Grand Prix final. There she faced Yelyzaveta LYTVYNENKO, who proved a step too far for Branser. A great tani-otoshi for ippon clinched the gold. A first grand prix title for Lytvynenko!
She was awarded her medal by Mr Armen BAGDASAROV, IJF Head Referee Director.
At -100 kg Nikoloz SHERAZADISHVILI had looked impressive all day. In the final, a fast dropping technique that scored yuko, was enough to earn him the gold. A first grand prix gold for 6 years!
He was awarded his medal by IJF EC Member, Mrs Louisa AGIUS GALEA.
At +78 kg it was an all French affair. But it was Celia CANCAN who shone brightest. Outworking compatriot Leonie MINKADA-CAQUINEAU to top the podium.
After a moment with some fans her medal was awarded by 3 time World Champion, Ms Yuri ALVEAR.
Kanan NASIBOV expertly countered Jur SPIJKERS at +100 kg to take the final gold medal of the tournament in style.
He was awarded the gold by Mr Neil ADAMS, World Champion and two time Olympic Silver Medallist.
Once again the Zagreb judo fans were delighted by their home fighters as the local athletes put their best foot forward their great display of judo culminated in Helena VUKOVIC taking a bronze medal, making it three medals in total across the weekend for the Croatian team.
Croatia has once again delivered on the IJF World tour - the latest edition of the Grand Prix was amazing!
Thank you Zagreb!