Lifetime Honours Mark the Men’s Veterans Finale in Sarajevo

The men’s programme at the World Judo Championships Veterans 2026 has concluded in Sarajevo, with the M7, M8 and M9 categories completing four days of competition at Hotel Hills Arena. The final men’s contests underlined the depth, technical skill and long-term commitment that define veterans judo.

Judoka from across the world took to the tatami in the closing age categories, bringing contrasting styles and decades of experience to closely contested divisions. For many competitors, returning to competition represents more than a result: it reflects years spent training, competing, coaching and contributing to the judo community.

European athletes featured prominently among the medal winners. Romania’s Iulius MARDARASEVICI won the M7 -60 kg category, while Christophe RIVENEZ of France took gold at -66 kg. Patrik GARDSIO of Sweden, Angelo SANTELIA of France, Karl MOSER of Austria and Hendrik KOPPE of the Netherlands were also among the M7 champions.

In M8, Germany collected gold medals through Rudolf CZEMPIK at -66 kg and Gerald FUCHS at -73 kg. Alfonso GARCIA ORTIZ of Spain won the -100 kg category, while Zdenek VLCEK of Czechia topped the +100 kg division. The M9 categories also produced European winners, including Willy HUBER of Germany, Andrei OTVOS of Romania, Rade KRNJETA of Croatia and Zbigniew MAZUR of Poland.

The final men’s divisions showed that a judo journey can last a lifetime.

The day also carried special significance away from the medal contests. The IJF Veterans’ Lifetime Award was presented to Lena Sterea of Romania and Miklos Flori of Hungary. Denis Weisser, Head of the IJF Veterans Commission, presented the trophies alongside Veterans Commission members Jean-Luc Bartoli and Edgardo Rodriguez.

Sterea was recognised for a remarkable record as an eight-time veterans world champion and eight-time veterans European champion. Her contribution reaches beyond competition, with her work as a referee and coach within her club adding another dimension to her service to judo.

Flori, a member of the IJF Veterans Commission and a major figure in Hungarian judo, received the award for his lasting contribution to the sport and the veterans community. Together, the two honours captured an important part of the event’s message: veterans judo is sustained by those who compete, but also by those who pass on their experience and energy to others.

The men’s divisions are now complete, but the championships are not finished. The women’s categories will take over in Sarajevo on Thursday for the final day of World Judo Championships Veterans 2026 competition.

Sarajevo’s veterans event closes its men’s programme with medals and meaningful recognition.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation