Poulange Delivers in Berlin as Junior European Cup Ends with Seven Gold Nations

Alyssia Poulange stood out on the final day of the Berlin Junior European Cup 2026, helping close the event with a truly international medal picture. At Sportforum Berlin on 21 June, seven nations celebrated gold across the second and last day: Slovakia, France, Austria, Georgia, Ukraine, Estonia and host nation Germany.

There was also a clear shift toward the favourites on Sunday. Four of the seven top seeds converted their position into gold, showing more control in the decisive stages than on the opening day.

In the women’s categories, Patricia Tomankova of Slovakia took the -48 kg title as the top seed. France then followed with gold in -52 kg through Poulange, who came through a demanding draw. In -57 kg, Austria’s Marlene Schinwald added another strong result to her season by taking her second gold medal of the year.

Poulange’s run in Berlin felt especially important. The 20-year-old French judoka won all four of her contests and never gave away a match, but the biggest test came in the -52 kg semi-final against Tara Babulfath of Sweden.

That contest was tight and tense from the start, with both athletes locked into a battle of grips and positioning. Neither could create a breakthrough in regular time, sending the match into golden score. Poulange then seized her moment quickly, scoring yuko just eight seconds into the extra period to earn her place in the final.

Poulange found her opening exactly when the pressure peaked.

The final brought another serious challenge. Across from Poulange was Nungshithoi Chanu Leishangthem of India, fifth at last year’s Junior World Championships and already carrying senior-level experience.

Once again, Poulange had to stay patient. The breakthrough came later in the contest, this time in ne-waza, where she secured the score that decided the final and delivered the gold medal.

What made the result matter even more was the context around it. Berlin was not simply another stop on the Junior European Cup calendar. For Poulange, it was a qualification event for the European Championships, giving extra weight to every round and every exchange.

She also had family in the crowd, which added another layer to the day. That personal motivation, combined with the competitive stakes, made her victory one of the most meaningful stories of the event.

For France, the gold was a major highlight on a day filled with different national anthems. For Europe’s junior scene, it was also another reminder of how deep the level is right now, with several countries reaching the top of the podium and established seeds having to prove themselves under pressure.

Poulange now turns toward the Paks Junior European Cup and the training camps that follow. After a performance like this in Berlin, she heads into the next phase of the season with momentum and a result that could matter well beyond one weekend.

Berlin gave Poulange more than a medal; it gave her a statement win.

Source: EJU.net