Among the many compelling stories unfolding at the Tallinn European Open 2025, few stood out more than the quiet rise of 19-year-old Saleh Alyoubi of Saudi Arabia. Competing in only his second international event, and his first at the senior level, the young judoka impressed onlookers with his composure, commitment, first class judo skills, and the strong sense of purpose he carried throughout the day.
Alyoubi worked his way through the repechage rounds to reach the final block in the -60kg category, where he ultimately finished fifth after being caught in a juji-gatame by Germany’s Maximilian Standke. While the result was just short of a podium finish, the performance marked a significant step forward, not just for Alyoubi, but for the evolving Saudi judo programme.
Guided by Legends
Watching and offering their support were some of the sport’s most recognisable names: Ilias Iliadis, the 2004 Olympic champion and now head coach of Saudi Arabia, and Rustam Orujov, Olympic and World medallist, now serving as the national team’s technical director.
Iliadis spoke to us after the event, visibly energised by Alyoubi’s showing.
“He was really impressive today. This is his first senior international event and we’ve only been working together since February, but what’s most important is the progress. Our focus is on the Junior World Championships later this year, and this event was about gaining experience. He showed heart, teamwork, and growth. That’s what matters right now.”
Despite the absence of a medal, Iliadis was clear about his priorities:
“I told him yesterday, I don’t care about medals. Just think of it like training, but with referees and an audience. We’re building something new. We’re still getting to know each other as a team and today was a great day. We fought like a team.”
A Young Athlete’s Quiet Confidence
After the bronze medal contest, Alyoubi shared his own thoughts, modest, reflective, and filled with gratitude.
“It was a beautiful day. I didn’t win, but I enjoyed the challenge, and I’ll do better next time. This was only my second international competition, and I felt good. Everyone here was kind, and the atmosphere was really special. It motivated me.”
He spoke warmly about working with Iliadis and Orujov.
“They are legends, the best. I’ve only been training with them for a few months, but already I feel the difference. I will keep improving. They push me, and they believe in me.”
Making His Case and Taking His Chance
Still, the most striking part of Alyoubi’s story is that he wasn’t initially selected for the competition, his confirmation came just over a week ago. He asked for the chance to prove himself, and he did exactly that.
“Yes, I asked to come, multiply times. I wanted to show I belong here. I made some mistakes today, but I’m happy. Competing at the European Open is a big step, and I will come back stronger.”
It was one of those days where a fifth-place finish told more than the podium. Saleh Alyoubi reminded everyone that progress in sport doesn’t always shout, sometimes, it speaks quietly through courage, attitude, and small victories that signal much greater things to come.
In Tallinn, he made sure people noticed.
Author: Szandra Szogedi