Chopanov’s breakthrough in Tbilisi puts him on top of Europe

Murad Chopanov finally reached the moment he had been chasing for years at the European Senior Championships Tbilisi 2026. On Wednesday, the 27-year-old Russian climbed to the top of the men’s -66 kg podium and secured his first senior European Championship title.

This was not just another medal run. After taking silver a year ago, Chopanov arrived in Tbilisi with one clear objective. He said he came only for gold, and that focus shaped the way he approached the final from the very first exchange.

Tbilisi became the place where last year’s disappointment turned into gold.

One of the key parts of his day was the sense of progress through the rounds. Chopanov felt stronger with each contest, even as the level of opposition rose. By the time he reached the final, he believed he had produced his best judo of the tournament.

He also judged his own performance with notable honesty. Despite winning the title, he rated himself at seven out of ten and described the competition as a hard day. That mix of ambition and self-criticism says a lot about the standards he sets for himself.

The gold in Tbilisi gives him both confirmation and fresh momentum. He described the European title as one of his targets for the season, and now that goal is complete. His next major aim, he said, is still a medal at the World Championships.

There was also a deeply personal side to this victory. Chopanov dedicated the title to the people of Dagestan affected by flooding. That gave the moment an emotional layer beyond sport and made his first senior European crown feel even more significant.

Source: EJU_News