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Belarus’ Lapayeva wins gold at World Sambo Cup

Yelizaveta Lapayeva. Photo courtesy of the NOC of Belarus

MINSK, 19 September (BelTA) – Belarus’ Yelizaveta Lapayeva clinched a gold medal at the 2026 World Sambo Cup in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, BelTA has learned.

In the quarterfinals, Lapayeva defeated Russia’s Olga Medvedeva (5-0), overcame Dana Bayakhyn of Kazakhstan (5-0) in the semifinals, and beat Israel’s Rony Nisimian (4-1) in the gold medal bout. In 2025, the Belarusian finished second at the World Cup. Yelizaveta is also a medalist of the World and European Championships.

Earlier on 19 September, the Belarusian team secured four bronze medals, thanks to stellar performances by Uladzislau Burdz (-58kg), Maksim Romanov (-79kg), Uladzislau Norka (-88kg), and Arseny Malitsky (+98kg). Action continues in Dushanbe on 20 September with the women’s sport sambo tournament, where seven Belarusian women are set to compete. The World Sambo Cup has gathered over 230 fighters representing 14 nations.

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