Asaf Yasur and Inbar Lanir to Light the Torch at Maccabiah Games 2026

The 2026 Maccabiah Games, set to take place in Jerusalem from July 10–25, will feature Yasur and Lanir as torchbearers in a ceremony that underscores their status as Israel’s most decorated judoka in recent history. Their participation marks a first for the Games, which have traditionally honored athletes for their contributions to Israeli sports rather than their international accolades.

Why it matters: The selection of Yasur and Lanir—both of whom have dominated the world stage in the past year—elevates the profile of the Maccabiah Games, which attract over 10,000 athletes from 80 countries. Their involvement also reflects a strategic shift by organizers to highlight Olympic and world championship success as a key part of the event’s legacy.

Key Moments: How Yasur and Lanir Earned Their Torch Roles

Asaf Yasur, Israel’s 2024 Olympic bronze medalist in the men’s +100kg division, will join Lanir as torchbearers. Their paths to this honor are rooted in recent triumphs:

• Inbar Lanir (57kg) secured gold at the 2024 World Judo Championships in Abu Dhabi and silver at the Paris Olympics, becoming Israel’s first female judoka to win Olympic silver since 2004.
• Asaf Yasur (100kg) claimed bronze at the Paris Olympics after defeating Japan’s Shoya Kondou in the repechage. He also won gold at the 2023 European Judo Championships.

Both athletes have been central figures in Israel’s judo renaissance, which has seen the country rank among the top five nations in the sport globally. Their selection as torchbearers follows a tradition of honoring athletes who embody the Games’ values of excellence, unity, and Jewish heritage.

Maccabiah Games: A Legacy of Athletic and Cultural Unity

The Maccabiah Games, founded in 1932, are the largest international multi-sport event for Jewish athletes. Held every four years, the Games have historically featured torch relays that traverse Israel, culminating in Jerusalem. Past torchbearers have included Olympic champions like Gal Fridman (sailing) and Yael Arad (judo), but never athletes who had also competed in the same Olympic cycle as the Games.

This year’s ceremony will take place at the Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem, with an expected attendance of over 50,000 spectators. The Games will feature 37 sports, including 11 debuting for the first time, such as esports and beach handball.

Beyond the Torch: What’s Next for Israel’s Judo Stars?

Both athletes are currently in training for the 2026 season, with key competitions on the horizon:

Lanir, who turned 25 in May, is aiming to defend her world title, while Yasur (28) will look to build on his Olympic bronze. Both have expressed excitement about their torchbearer roles but remain focused on their athletic goals.

Why This Moment Resonates with Israeli Sports Fans

The announcement has generated significant buzz in Israel, where judo is one of the most followed sports. Lanir and Yasur’s achievements have inspired a new generation of athletes, with youth participation in judo clubs surging by 22% since the Paris Olympics, according to the Israel Judo Federation.

“This is a historic moment for Israeli judo,” said Yael Arad, Israel’s first female Olympic judo medalist and a member of the Maccabiah Games organizing committee. “Inbar and Asaf represent the best of what the sport stands for—discipline, perseverance, and excellence. Their torchbearer roles will inspire thousands of young athletes across the Jewish world.”

“Being selected as a torchbearer is an incredible honor, but it also comes with a huge responsibility. We want to light that flame and show the world what Israeli athletes can achieve.”

How to Watch and Stay Updated

The 2026 Maccabiah Games will be broadcast globally, with key events available on:

• Maccabi World Union Official Site
• Israeli Government Tourism Portal (for live updates)
• JudoInside (for judo-specific coverage)

The opening ceremony, featuring Yasur and Lanir as torchbearers, will air live on July 10, 2026, at 8:00 PM Israel Time (UTC+3). Fans can also follow the event on social media via @Maccabiah and @maccabiah.