The European judo community gathered in the Georgian capital for a moment of both pride and symbolism, as the 2026 Senior European Judo Championships were officially declared open in Tbilisi, marking the long-awaited return of the continent’s premier event to the nation after 17 years.
Set within the Olympic Sport Palace, the opening ceremony blended cultural heritage with sporting prestige. A vibrant showcase from the renowned Erisioni ensemble, featuring traditional performances such as “Rhythms of Georgia” and the powerful “Khorumi”, set the tone for an occasion that celebrated not only elite sport but national identity.
Distinguished guests took to the stage, including Shalva Gogoladze, Sport Minister of Georgia, Dr Tóth László, EJU President and Levan Nozadze, Georgian Judo Federation President, each underlining the significance of hosting such an event in a country where judo is deeply woven into the cultural fabric.
In his address, Gogoladze emphasised the honour of staging the Championships for a second time, highlighting Georgia’s remarkable achievements on the international stage and the growing popularity of the sport. Particular attention was given to the historic success of the Georgian mixed team, as well as the increasing engagement in women’s judo, a development he described as vital for the sport’s future in the country.
Nozadze echoed these sentiments, describing judo in Georgia as “not only a sport, but part of our culture and tradition.” He underlined the significance of welcoming a record number of participating nations, noting that such an event offers Georgian fans a rare opportunity to witness world-class athletes competing on home soil.
Representing the continental governing body, President Tóth framed the Championships as both historic and forward-looking. He praised Georgia’s standing within European judo and the collaborative efforts between the European Judo Union and the Georgian Judo Federation in delivering the event. With 46 nations represented, he noted the exceptional level of competition, describing the field as among the strongest not only in Europe but globally.
The ceremony concluded with a gesture of appreciation, as commemorative plaques were presented to key contributors before the Georgian national anthem brought proceedings to a close.
As the Championships begin, Tbilisi stands not only as host but as a stage where tradition, ambition, and elite performance converge, promising four days of world-class judo and moments that will resonate far beyond the tatami.
Author: EJU Media