Finally, his time has come: Russia’s Murad Chopanov stepped on to the top of the men’s -66kg
podium at the European Senior Championships Tbilisi 2026 on Wednesday. The 27-year-old had to
wait long for this first Championship title at the senior level. “It was a long awaited victory. I came
here only for the gold,” he shared.
“After the silver medal last year, this gold feels even sweeter,” he continued. “The silver last year
was tough on me and when I went out into the final today I had only the gold medal on my mind. Therefore, I went out and from beginning to the end, I was fully focusing on my attacks.”
Chopanov felt he was improving round by round in the competition. “I would give myself a seven out of
ten for my performance. It was a hard day but I felt better with each contest,” he shared. “The
opponents became stronger with each one but I felt stronger, too, and I felt my best in the final.”
This success gives Chopanov confidence and motivation for the future. “I was very motivated even
before,” he noted. “This [winning the European title] was one of my goals this season and I achieved
it. Now, getting a world medal still remains.”
This victory is meaningful to Chopanov not just because it is his first one at this stage. He is from Dagestan and has an important message to share. “I want to dedicate this victory to the people of Dagestan that suffered from the flooding.”
Author: Tatjana Flade
Author: EJU Media