On the distant shores of Morocco, Matan Iglitsky added a new chapter to Israel’s sporting achievements. The young man from Bat Yam, in a fast and intense match, secured the silver medal at the World Beach Sambo Championship, a sport that combines the strength of wrestling with the technique of judo against the backdrop of the blue sea.
In the scorching sand arena of the 2024 World Beach Sambo Championship, Iglitsky delivered an outstanding performance that took him to the thrilling final. On his way to the top, Iglitsky dominated competitors from France, the Netherlands, and Morocco. The decisive match against his Spanish opponent in the final lasted only 10 seconds, demonstrating the speed and power that characterize the sport.
This marks the third time that Iglitsky has been crowned world vice-champion, an achievement that reflects consistency and excellence over time. Despite the judges’ decision not going in his favor in the final, Iglitsky once again proved his standing as one of the top athletes in the world in the under-71 kg weight category.
Iglitsky’s success comes amid an impressive rise of the beach sambo sport in Israel. In 2022, Bat Yam, Iglitsky’s hometown, had the honor of being the first city to host a Beach Sambo Championship in Israel. The event attracted 200 athletes from 30 countries, placing Israel on the global map of the sport. The selection of Bat Yam as the host was no accident; the stunning beauty of its coastline provided the perfect backdrop for the international competition.
Beach sambo, which originated in Russia in the early 19th century, is a unique sport that combines elements of wrestling and judo. The matches, which last an average of 30 to 40 seconds, offer an intense and captivating experience for spectators. The winner is determined when one competitor scores a point, similar to the “golden score” system in judo.
Iglitsky’s achievement has not gone unnoticed in his hometown. Representatives of the Bat Yam municipality expressed immense pride: “We are delighted with Matan’s incredible victory, which is a tremendous source of pride and inspiration for us all. Well done!” This statement reflects the strong support and appreciation Iglitsky receives from his community.
