Tunis African Open 2026:
Parhizgar wins gold as Iran bags three medals
The Iranian men’s judo team collected three medals – including one gold — at the latest African Open event in Tunis.
Elyas Parhizgar headlined Iran’s medal haul in the Tunisian capital by claiming gold in the -81kg division on Sunday.
An Asian junior silver medalist in 2024, Parhizgar defeated Romania’s Elemer Szocs in the semifinals before overcoming Muhammad Yusufzoda in the final — securing his second gold of the 2026 African Open series following his triumph in Casablanca last month.
Mohammadpouria Banaeian settled for silver in the +100kg class after suffering a defeat to Egypt’s Hady Hussein in the final.
Amirabbas Choopan, meanwhile, claimed a bronze medal in the -90kg division. After falling to home favorite Abdelaziz Ben Ammar in the semifinals, Choopan rebounded to defeat Tajik opponent Mizrobsho Loiqov in the third-place bout.
Sunday’s medals capped a solid run for Iranian judo in Tunis, after the country had captured three medals at the Junior and Cadet African Cup events over the previous two days.
Banaeian had clinched the men’s +100kg title with a victory over Egypt’s Abdalla Abdalla in Friday’s final, while Ali Nikseresht – who missed out on the podium on Sunday – finished runner-up in the men’s -100kg category after losing to Belarus’ Yauheni Morau.
Sobhan Hakimi also claimed silver at the cadet event.
Hakimi received a first-round bye in the -81kg class before defeating home favorite Mohamed Amin Abidi to book his place in the final. He ultimately fell short against world No. 3 Aly Elramly of Egypt, settling for second place.