The prestigious European Sumo Cup stage concluded in the Polish city of Rzeszów, marking a triumphant event for the Ukrainian national team. The competition, held on August 2, 2026, demonstrated not only the high level of preparation of Ukrainian athletes but also their total dominance over opponents from other countries on the continent. Amidst fierce competition for medals, the Ukrainian delegation returned home with absolute supremacy in the overall team standings.
Total Dominance and Record Medal Count
The scale of the tournament was impressive: 104 top wrestlers representing eight European countries participated. The Ukrainian team was represented by 27 athletes this time, allowing them to cover almost all weight categories. The team's performance exceeded all expectations: Ukrainians secured 19 out of 19 possible top-3 awards. The team's tally includes 11 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze medals. This result indicates that the Ukrainian sumo school is at the peak of its form and is the undisputed leader in Europe at the moment.
Morenko and Daiauri's "Golden Double"
The real stars of this European Cup stage were Elizaveta Morenko and Vaja Daiauri. These athletes demonstrated exceptional versatility and strength, achieving a so-called "golden double." They managed to win the highest honors not only in their main super-heavyweight categories but also in the most prestigious absolute category, where the strongest athletes compete regardless of weight. This achievement underscores their status as leaders in world sumo and confirms the correctness of their chosen training strategy.
Fair Play Recognition and Team Spirit
In addition to sporting victories, the Ukrainian team received moral recognition. Individual distinction was awarded to Sofia Kushnir, who received the honorary Fair Play Cup trophy. This award for noble behavior and respect for opponents highlights that Ukrainian wrestlers are not only physically strong but also possess a high level of sports ethics. The team cup won by the squad became a symbol of unity and the coordinated work of the entire team, from coaches to athletes.
Contradictory Data
The materials provided by Sport RBC.UA mention a full list of medals won, however, the text lacks a specific list of surnames of all medalists, except for the mentioned Morenko, Daiauri, and Kushnir. Also, although the text speaks of a "full list," it is not provided, which may create ambiguity for readers wishing to know the names of all winners. At the same time, the general statistics (11-4-4) and the fact of victory in the team standings are confirmed unequivocally. Photos from the award ceremony, dated August 2, 2026, visually confirm the presence of Ukrainian athletes on the podium.
Results and Prospects
The victory in Rzeszów became an important stage in preparation for future international starts. It was previously reported about the victory of Ukrainian Daniil Yavgushishin at the Emperor's Cup, which, combined with successes in Poland, paints a positive picture for Ukrainian sumo. The team continues to strengthen its positions, proving that it is one of the strongest in Europe.
