Tbilisi leaves more than medals as EJU highlights judo’s wider impact

When the Senior European Judo Championships Tbilisi 2026 came to an end, the biggest takeaway was not limited to the results on the tatami. EJU President Dr Tóth László reflected on a week that, in his view, showed the full reach of European judo. For a few days, Tbilisi became a meeting point for elite sport, youth development and community connection.

One of the clearest examples was the Kids Camp, which he described as a real success. The presence of established champions gave young judoka the chance to connect with the sport in a more personal way. The involvement of Varlam Liparteliani, Georgia’s Rio 2016 silver medallist and a major local figure, added extra meaning to that experience.

The week in Tbilisi aimed to build memories beyond the medal table.

Dr Tóth László also pointed to the Adapted Judo demonstration on day three as a key moment. For the EJU, it reflected values that matter across Europe: inclusion, access and the idea that judo should reach everyone. In that sense, the championships also became a platform for showing what the sport can represent away from pure competition.

There was also activity beyond the arena itself. EJU representatives visited the French School of the Caucasus, another step in linking the event with the local community. That broader approach helped give the week a different kind of energy, one that felt rooted in people as much as performance.

Even with a positive overall impression, the message from the EJU leadership was not one of self-congratulation. Dr Tóth László stressed that every event brings lessons, and that the work continues with analysis and refinement. That process, he suggested, is part of what Europe’s judo community owes to its athletes, fans and future generations.

Tbilisi now closes one chapter, but not for long. The EJU is already looking ahead to returning to the Georgian capital for the Junior Europeans next year.

Source: EJU_News