Ukrainian Judo Team Secures Three Medals at Linz Grand Prix, Led by Champion Savytskyi

Ukrainian Judokas Shine at IJF Grand Prix Event

According to Главком: Ukrainian athletes delivered a standout performance at the IJF Grand Prix in Linz, Austria, taking home a total of three medals. Anton Savytskyi emerged as the star, clinching the gold medal in the men's 100 kg category. Savytskyi fought his way to the top by defeating opponents from the United States, Israel, Kazakhstan, Brazil, and Japan. This victory reinforces his current position as world number three in the global rankings.

Adding to the team's success, Dilshot Khalmatov secured a silver medal in the men's 60 kg division. Khalmatov showcased impressive skill with victories over judokas from Austria, Italy, Portugal, and Kazakhstan, before ultimately falling to a French athlete in the final. Notably, Khalmatov is also set to compete in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

Bronze Medal and Team Performance Overview

Yuliia Kurchenko rounded out the medal haul for Ukraine, earning a bronze in the women's 78 kg category. She triumphed over competitors from Lebanon, Brazil, and Canada, but was defeated in the semifinal by an athlete from the Netherlands. It's worth noting that while Ukrainian judo is thriving, the nation's overall winter sports program faced a different outcome at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where the team finished without a medal but placed in the top ten on eight occasions.

The results from Linz demonstrate the high caliber of Ukrainian athletes, who continue to pursue victories on the international stage despite significant challenges. The International Judo Federation Grand Prix series is a key stepping stone for athletes aiming for the Olympics.

The success of Ukrainian judokas in Linz underscores the resilience of the country's sports sector during a period of immense national adversity.

Continued participation in elite competitions like the Grand Prix serves as an inspiration for young Ukrainian athletes and provides crucial experience on the world stage. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, this strong showing in Austria is a positive indicator for the future of Ukrainian judo.