Podgorica Juniors: France Set the Pace in Individual Judo

France finished at the head of the individual medal table at the Junior European Judo Championships Podgorica 2026. After three days of competition and 14 individual titles, the French delegation collected four gold, three silver and five bronze medals.

That 12-medal total put France ahead of Azerbaijan, who claimed three golds and two bronzes, while Spain secured third place with two golds and two bronzes. The result marked a significant return to the summit for France, whose previous lead in the Junior European medal table came in 2021.

The medals in Podgorica were shared widely across the continent. Seven nations produced at least one Junior European champion, and 18 countries reached the individual medal table. Still, France’s depth across the weight categories made the difference in the final standings.

Spain also had reason to celebrate after returning to the top three for the first time since 2022. Azerbaijan continued its strong recent record at this level, having featured prominently in 2022, 2024 and 2025, including a first-place finish in 2024. In Montenegro, however, France took control of the overall picture.

Pénélope Bonna, Head Coach of the French Junior Women's Team, represented the delegation on the podium as the French anthem played. She credited the athletes’ preparation and described the championship as an important performance from the group.

For the French staff, the result is not only about this week’s medals. Bonna explained that the programme is being developed with the generations for 2028 and 2032 in mind, including the long-term target of the 2032 Olympic Games. The Podgorica results therefore offer a strong sign of progress, while also serving as another step in a wider development plan.

France’s junior medal haul in Podgorica points to a project built beyond one championship.

The individual competition may be complete, but the Junior European Judo Championships are not over. The Mixed Team event on Sunday, 6 September will bring the tournament to its final chapter, shifting the focus from individual results to national teamwork.

After three days of competing for personal medals, the judoka will return to the tatami for their teams. The remaining question in Podgorica is which nation will leave with the Junior European Mixed Team title.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union