The European Judo Union is saddened to receive the news of the passing of Slavko Obadov (1948–2025), the Serbian judoka, who passed away on 15 September 2025 in Novi Sad. Obadov made history by winning the first Olympic medal for Serbia in judo at the Montreal Games in 1976. He was the recipient of numerous awards and honours, including the Spartak Award twice, the May National Lifetime Achievement Award, the October Award, the Charter of the City of Novi Sad, three Gold Badges of SOFK Yugoslavia, the FILA Silver Badge and many more.
Obadov was named Best Athlete in the City of Novi Sad four times, and in 1973 the Best Athlete in Vojvodina. The Judo Federation of Yugoslavia named him the best judoka in the country multiple times. He was also a holder of the national award of the Republic of Serbia.
Slavko Obadov competed at the Olympic Games three times, in 1972, 1976, and 1980. At world and European championships, he won 12 medals in individual and team competitions: one gold, three silver, and eight bronze medals.
His career as both competitor and coach was marked by success. As a junior and senior athlete, he was Yugoslav champion 20 times, and with his club Slavija, he won three national team championships. He was a four-time Balkan champion and Mediterranean champion in 1975 and 1979.
As a coach, Obadov worked for two decades and also served as head coach of the national team of Serbia. He earned his doctorate at the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education at the University of Novi Sad, where he was a full professor for two decades, teaching as many as seven subjects at undergraduate, vocational, master’s, and doctoral studies. As a professor, he mentored over 150 graduates, 11 master’s students, and two doctoral candidates. During his twenty years of academic and scientific work, he published 120 scientific papers, three university textbooks, and four monographs.
Crowning an impressive sports career spanning more than six decades, Serbia’s legendary and decorated judoka, one of the most successful in this region, achieved the master title of 10th DAN. Obadov received the highest degree of judo mastery for his exceptional achievements and contributions to the development of our sport.
The European Judo Union extends its deepest condolences to the family of Slavko Obadov, as well as to the Serbian Judo Federation and the entire judo community in Serbia.
Images: Serbian Judo Federation
Author: EJU Media