Tbilisi, Georgia, is set to host one of the most prestigious events on the International Judo Federation (IJF) World Tour: the Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026. From March 20th to 22nd, the Georgian capital will welcome 427 athletes representing 54 nations, all vying for crucial ranking points. Simultaneously, the European Cup Seniores will accept place in Riga, Latvia, offering another competitive stage for judoka across the continent.
Sicilian Judo Talent on Display in Tbilisi
The Italian team heading to Tbilisi boasts seven athletes, including two rising stars from Sicily. Vincenzo Pelligra and Sofia Mazzola will lead the charge, representing the growing strength of judo within the Italian region.
The Italian contingent competing in Tbilisi includes:
- Vincenzo Pelligra (-81 kg): Representing the Fiamme Azzurre, Pelligra aims to build on his recent progress in a highly competitive weight class.
- Sofia Mazzola (-48 kg): The athlete from Palermo (Carabinieri) is looking to achieve a significant result in the lightweight division.
Rounding out the Italian team are Giulia Ghiglione (Esercito), Asya Tavano (Fiamme Azzurre), Erica Simonetti (Esercito), Matteo Piras (Esercito), and Leonardo Valeriani (Fiamme Gialle). Following the Grand Slam, Tbilisi will also host an international para-judo event.
Tbilisi Grand Slam Schedule (March 20-22)
The competition schedule for the Tbilisi Grand Slam is as follows:
- Friday, March 20th: Women’s -48 kg, -52 kg, -57 kg; Men’s -60 kg, -66 kg.
- Saturday, March 21st: Women’s -63 kg, -70 kg; Men’s -73 kg, -81 kg.
- Sunday, March 22nd: Women’s -78 kg, +78 kg; Men’s -90 kg, -100 kg, +100 kg.
Riga European Cup Showcases Italian Depth
Although the Grand Slam unfolds in Tbilisi, the European Cup Seniores in Riga, Latvia, provides another opportunity for Italian judoka to compete on the international stage. The “Sicilian school” of judo is well-represented, with Aurora Platania and Danilo Articolo among those selected for the team.
Specifically, the Italian athletes competing in Riga include:
- Aurora Platania (-48 kg): Hailing from the Dynamic Center Gravina in Catania, Platania is considered one of the most promising young athletes in the region.
- Danilo Articolo (-90 kg): The athlete from Messina (Akiyama Settimo) will be aiming for a podium finish in the middleweight category.
Other Italian athletes competing in Riga include Sara Cesselli, Elena Guarducci, Giulia Caggiano, and Pietro Andreini, representing a broad range of clubs across Italy.
Riga European Cup Schedule (March 21-22)
The competition schedule for the European Cup in Riga is:
- Saturday, March 21st: Women’s -63 kg, -70 kg, -78 kg, +78 kg; Men’s -60 kg, -66 kg, -73 kg.
- Sunday, March 22nd: Women’s -48 kg, -52 kg, -57 kg; Men’s -81 kg, -90 kg, -100 kg, +100 kg.
How to Watch
All matches from both the Tbilisi Grand Slam and the European Cup in Riga will be streamed live on judo.tv.
The Tbilisi Grand Slam and Riga European Cup represent a busy weekend for international judo, with Italian athletes aiming to make their mark on both events. Fans can follow the action live on judo.tv, and the results will undoubtedly shape the rankings as the season progresses. The next major event on the IJF calendar is the European Championships in April, following the Tbilisi Grand Slam.
