Ukrainian Sumo Triumph at the West Viru Open 2026
Ukrainian athletes delivered a strong performance at the West Viru Open 2026, a ranking tournament held on February 13-14 in Vinni, Estonia. The event's international stature was underscored by the participation of 70 competitors from eight different nations.
In total, the Ukrainian team claimed eight medals. Gold medals were awarded to:
- Damir Kupreishvili in the 92 kg weight class
- Yehor Krupskyi in the 115 kg category
- Vazha Daiauri, who won gold in both the over 115 kg and OPEN categories
Silver medals were earned by:
- Valeriia Izhakivska (73 kg)
- Ivan Kyryliuk (85 kg)
- Vladyslav Chertorynskyi (115 kg)
A bronze medal was secured by Yehor Krupskyi in the OPEN category. Sumo, while a niche sport globally, has a dedicated following in Eastern Europe and events like this help raise its profile.
Tournament Significance for Ukrainian Sumo Development
This competition represents a significant milestone for Ukrainian sumo, as medals earned in international events boost athletes' rankings and promote the sport domestically. Success at the West Viru Open is also likely to stimulate greater interest among Ukrainian youth, providing positive momentum for the sport's future growth in the country.