The final day of the U23 European Judo Championships 2025 in Chisinau brought together nine teams, Georgia, Bulgaria, Romania, Portugal, Türkiye, Ukraine, Hungary, Moldova, and France, each battling fiercely for team glory. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as athletes gave their all in pursuit of the coveted podium spots. Let’s take a closer look at how the final standings unfolded.
Final: Georgia vs France
The opening contest between Giorgi Jabniashvili (GEO) and Rayane Ascofare (FRA) in the –90kg category began cautiously, with both athletes testing the waters. At 2:34, the Georgian judoka suddenly exploded into action, launching a perfectly timed tai-otoshi that stunned the French fighter and earned ippon.
Next up was the –70kg contest between Lizi Kvartskhava (GEO) and Grace-Esther Mienandi Lahou (FRA). It quickly became clear that the French judoka held the upper hand, overpowering her opponent to even the score for France.
In the +90kg bout, Shalva Gureshidze (GEO) took control early, sweeping Maxence Bordin (FRA) with a de-ashi-barai for yuko, before adding another score with an impressive ura-nage.
The –57kg clash between Nino Loladze (GEO) and Alya De Carvalho (FRA) was pure drama. At 2:27, Loladze scored waza-ari, putting Georgia ahead. but with only five seconds left on the clock, De Carvalho levelled the scoreboard with a sharp te-waza counter. The contest went into golden score, and the French judoka’s growing confidence was unmistakable. At 1:42 she came close with a shime-waza attempt, and by 2:38 of extra time she sealed victory in ne-waza, equalising the team score.
The next bout saw Giorgi Terashvili (GEO) electrify the crowd with a stunning uchi-mata against Eliot Preve (FRA), putting Georgia back in front. This meant Melkia Auchecorne (FRA) had to win against Nino Tsiklauri (GEO) to keep France alive, and she knew it. Right from the start, she scored yuko with a crisp de-ashi-barai, then showcased her ne-waza skills towards the end to secure a crucial victory for France.
With everything tied, tension filled the venue as everyone waited to see which category would be drawn for the decisive golden-score contest. The big screen flashed: –73kg. That meant a rematch, Giorgi Terashvili (GEO) vs Eliot Preve (FRA).
Terashvili wasted no time. He went straight for his signature uchi-mata, the same technique that won him the earlier contest, and it was as if someone had hit the replay button. Preve was thrown for ippon, and the Georgian team erupted in celebration. They had officially defended their U23 European Mixed Team title. After his decisive win, Terashvili shared his thoughts:
“My favourite technique is uchi-mata, it’s such a beautiful throw. I grew up watching Georgian judoka use it, and now it’s mine too. It’s simple. Georgia won the title and we are all so happy. Winning the last fight, the one that decides everything, feels completely different. The whole team, the whole country is watching you. You can’t stop; you just go forward. This tournament was really tough, both the individual and the team events. Still, we took gold in both, and that’s something special. When I saw the category appear on the screen, so many things went through my head. I just knew I had to give everything.”
Bronze Medal Matches
Portugal vs Ukraine
After bouncing back from the repechage with a hard-fought 4–3 victory over Romania, Portugal advanced to face Ukraine in one of the bronze medal contests. Ukraine, meanwhile, had fallen short against France in the semi-finals and were eager to make amends.
The showdown began with the –90kg category, where Pedro Lima (POR) faced Serhii Sokyrko (UKR). Within the opening minute, Sokyrko struck first, scoring with a sharp ashi-waza technique. During the +70kg contest, Tais Pina (POR) responded in style, levelling the score for Portugal.
However, Ukraine soon regained control. Mykola Hybryk (UKR) edged past Diogo Chantre (POR) to put his team back in front, and from there the momentum was unstoppable. Victories from Inna Shynkarenko and Said-Magomed Khalidov sealed the deal, earning Team Ukraine a well-deserved bronze medal.
Moldova vs Türkiye
Moldova had earlier defeated Hungary in the repechage, while Türkiye fell to Georgia in the semi-finals, setting up a thrilling bronze medal showdown between the two.
The opening contest featured home favourite and individual silver medallist Mihail Latisev (MDA) against Emir Selim Ari (TUR). The atmosphere was electric as the pair stepped onto the tatami. Ari’s left uchi-mata proved a constant threat to the local hero but with just 42 seconds left on the clock, Latisev seized his chance. Controlling both sleeves, he launched under with a sharp sode-tsurikomi-goshi, driving his opponent over for waza-ari. The Moldovan held firm until the end, giving his team the early lead.
Next came the +70kg contest between Maria Rusu (MDA) and Hatice Vandemir (TUR). Rusu accumulated two penalties as the fight progressed into golden score. Vandemir, ever dangerous with her powerful uchi-mata, finally connected to earn the win and level the score for Türkiye.
In the +90kg encounter, Vadim Ghimbovschi (MDA) faced Ibrahim Tataroğlu (TUR). With just over 20 seconds remaining in regulation time, Tataroğlu executed a well-timed harai-makikomi for waza-ari. The clock ran down, handing Türkiye another crucial point and the advantage.
The –57kg bout saw Gabriela Herta (MDA) take on Zilan Ertem (TUR). Herta impressed the crowd with her dynamic te-waza, scoring twice in quick succession, first for yuko, then for waza-ari. Ertem struggled to respond, and though the final scoreboard read 2–2, Herta’s spirited display earned her a standing ovation from the Moldovan fans.
Momentum continued as Vlad Mitru (MDA) stormed through Hilmi Mucik (TUR) in just 12 seconds, restoring Moldova’s hopes. All eyes then turned to Sinem Oruc (TUR), whose contest against Madina Duminica (MDA) became a must-win to keep Türkiye’s medal chances alive. By the start of the second minute, three penalties had been issued, two to Oruc and one to Duminica. At 1:24, the penalties evened out, and moments later, Oruc struck decisively with a sumi-gaeshi for ippon, forcing the deciding draw.
The arena fell silent as the golden-score category was selected. When the +90kg flashed on the screen, Türkiye erupted, it meant Ibrahim Tataroğlu, who had already beaten Ghimbovschi, would return for the rematch. After several tense exchanges and near misses, Tataroğlu secured the win at 3:52 with a sharp ashi-waza counter, clinching bronze for Türkiye.
The President of the European Judo Union, Dr. TÓTH László, also shared his reflections after three days of historic moments.
“For many, organising the U23 European Judo Championships in Moldova once seemed like a far-fetched mission, yet through the remarkable collaboration between the European Judo Union and the Moldova Judo Federation, we have proven that great ambitions can become great achievements. Together, we delivered a high-class event that reflects the professionalism, unity, and spirit of our judo family.
“The success of the individual competitions is a clear testament to the growing strength and diversity of European judo. Twelve nations shared the gold medals, and no fewer than 23 countries will return home with at least one medal, a record that speaks volumes about the depth of talent across our continent. From Finland’s historic first gold to Armenia’s long-awaited second, 22 years after their first at the inaugural edition, this championship truly showcased the dynamic development of judo in Europe. Moldova also celebrated on home soil with a medal victory, applauded by a packed and passionate stadium, a wonderful moment for the host nation. We can all be proud of what we achieved together.
“This event also continues to prove itself as an excellent bridge for transitioning judoka between the junior and senior stages, offering invaluable experience at a crucial point in their careers. My sincere thanks go to the local organising committee and to the EJU team for their outstanding work in the preparation and throughout the weekend. We are looking forward to continuing this path of growth together, building on the success and spirit shown here in Moldova.”
Images: Gabi Juan/Kostadin Andanov
Author: Szandra Szogedi