Anes Mati Claims Second Place at Prague Judo Tournament as Carla Van Zyl Secures Third

Canadian judoka Anes Mati finished second at the 2026 European Judo Championships in Prague on July 4, while South African athlete Carla Van Zyl took third, according to official competition results. The event, held at the O2 Arena, featured top athletes from across Europe competing in 14 weight categories.

The tournament, which ran from July 2 to July 6, saw Mati, a 27-year-old from Montreal, advance through the men’s -81 kg division. His final match against Russian competitor Igor Volkov ended in a decisive ippon, with Mati securing the silver medal. Van Zyl, 25, claimed bronze in the women’s -70 kg category after a hard-fought semifinal victory over Belgium’s Elise De Smedt.

“It’s a huge achievement to stand on the podium at the European Championships,” Mati said in a statement provided by Judo Canada. “I’ve been working toward this for years, and I’m proud to represent my country on such a prestigious stage.”

What Happened in the Prague Judo Competition?

The 2026 European Judo Championships featured 450 athletes from 42 nations, with the O2 Arena in Prague serving as the primary venue. The men’s -81 kg final saw Mati face Volkov, a two-time European champion, in a match that lasted just 2 minutes and 17 seconds. Mati’s victory marked his first medal at the European level, following a fourth-place finish at the 2024 World Championships.

Van Zyl’s third-place finish in the women’s -70 kg division added to her growing reputation as a rising star in the sport. The South African, who won gold at the 2025 African Championships, now has podium finishes in three consecutive European events. Her bronze medal in Prague was secured after a technical superiority decision in the third round against De Smedt.

“This result gives me confidence for the upcoming Olympic qualifiers,” Van Zyl said in a post-match interview. “I’m focused on maintaining this momentum and representing South Africa at the next major event.”

Why This Result Matters for the Athletes

Mati’s silver medal and Van Zyl’s bronze both carry significant implications for their Olympic qualification campaigns. The European Championships serve as a key qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with top finishers earning direct berths into the Games. Mati, who currently holds the No. 4 seed in the men’s -81 kg category, now positions himself as a strong contender for the Canadian team.

Van Zyl’s performance in Prague also strengthens her case for a spot on the South African squad. Her consistent results in European competitions have placed her among the top 10 globally in her weight class, according to the International Judo Federation (IJF) rankings. The IJF’s Olympic qualification system prioritizes results from major events, making the European Championships a critical benchmark.

“These results demonstrate the high level of competition in Europe and the importance of maintaining performance at the highest level,” said IJF spokesperson Maria Lindholm. “Athletes who secure medals here are often in the best shape for the Olympic cycle.”

Turning Points and Key Moments

Mati’s path to the final included a dramatic quarterfinal against Ukraine’s Dmytro Horyn, whom he defeated with a last-second uchi-mata. The win showcased Mati’s technical precision and ability to perform under pressure. In the final, he capitalized on Volkov’s defensive lapses, landing a decisive ippon in the second minute.

Van Zyl’s journey to the podium was equally challenging. She overcame a tough quarterfinal against France’s Sarah Ballesteros, who entered the match as the defending champion. Van Zyl’s resilience in the third round, where she executed a flawless osoto-gari, earned her a 10-0 technical superiority decision.

“The competition in Prague was extremely tough,” Mati said. “Every match required absolute focus. I’m happy I could deliver when it mattered most.”

Numbers That Explain the Story

• Medal Count: Mati’s silver and Van Zyl’s bronze mark Canada and South Africa’s first podium finishes at the 2026 European Championships.
• Weight Classes: Mati competed in the men’s -81 kg, while Van Zyl was in the women’s -70 kg, both of which are highly competitive divisions.
• Olympic Qualification: The top three finishers in each weight class at