Mkheidze adds a deeply personal European gold in Tbilisi

Luka Mkheidze captured his second European senior title in Tbilisi, and this one carried a special weight. The French judoka had already won European gold in France in 2023, but this latest triumph came in the country where he was born, giving the moment an extra emotional edge.

In the final, Mkheidze faced Georgia’s Giorgi Sardalashvili. Afterward, he spoke warmly about the matchup and the respect he has for his opponent. He also made clear how meaningful it was for him to fight for the title in a place that still feels like a second home.

Tbilisi gave Mkheidze a title moment that clearly meant more than medals alone.

Mkheidze moved to France in 2010 as a teenager, yet his ties to Georgia remain strong. He said he could feel the support of family and friends during the day, and that energy helped him through the competition. That connection was part of what made this gold feel different from a routine championship win.

There was also a personal note beyond the tatami. Mkheidze explained that his first judo coach from Georgia was in Tbilisi, although illness prevented him from attending the event in person. The Frenchman said he planned to visit him after the competition to thank him for starting him on his judo path.

France’s day became even stronger because Mkheidze’s title followed Shirine Boukli’s success in the women’s -48 kg category. He was openly happy for his teammate, noting that they have shared many years on the circuit and often seem to follow one another onto the podium. He also highlighted his pride at winning a first major title for his new club in the Paris region, which he joined last September.

For France, it was a golden day. For Mkheidze, it was also something more personal: a victory shaped by memory, roots and belonging.

Source: EJU_News