European Judo Championships 2026: Elite Talent Descends on Tbilisi

Tbilisi is preparing to become the epicenter of the judo world as the European Judo Championships 2026 kick off this Thursday. From April 16 to 19, the Olympic Sport Palace will host the continent’s premier athletes in a city where the “way of yielding” is regarded as more than just a sport—it is nearly a national religion.

The event marks the first major international competition of the 2026 season, serving as a critical litmus test for athletes eyeing global rankings and future podiums. With 14 titles on the line, the stakes are high, and the atmosphere in the Georgian capital is expected to be electric.

Italy Eyes a Repeat of Podgorica Success

Coming off a historic performance in Podgorica, Montenegro, where they secured a record-breaking nine medals, the Italian national team arrives in Tbilisi with high expectations. The “Azzurri” have fielded an ambitious contingent of 18 athletes, split evenly between the men’s and women’s divisions, signaling their intent to remain a dominant force in European judo.

For the Italian squad, this tournament is not just about adding to the trophy cabinet but about maintaining the momentum of a golden era. The depth of their roster across multiple weight classes suggests a strategic push to secure medals in several categories.

The Women’s Roster: Bellandi Leads the Charge

The Italian women’s team enters the competition with a formidable lineup, headlined by Alice Bellandi. As the current Olympic and World champion in the -78 kg category, Bellandi carries the weight of expectation as the team’s primary gold-medal hope.

Joining Bellandi is a diverse group of specialists across the weight spectrum:

• Assunta Scutto: -48 kg
• Odette Giuffrida: -52 kg
• Veronica Toniolo: -57 kg
• Carlotta Avanzato: -63 kg
• Irene Pedrotti: -70 kg
• Giorgia Stangherlin: -70 kg
• Asya Tavano: +78 kg
• Erica Simonetti: +78 kg

The presence of two athletes in both the -70 kg and +78 kg categories provides Italy with significant tactical depth, allowing them to navigate the bracket with a broader range of styles.

The Men’s Squad: Power and Precision

The Italian men’s team mirrors the women’s in size and ambition, bringing nine athletes to the tatami. The squad is balanced across the lighter and heavier divisions, ensuring coverage in nearly every contested category.

The men’s lineup includes:

• Andrea Carlino: -60 kg
• Valerio Accogli: -66 kg
• Elios Manzi: -66 kg
• Manuel Lombardo: -73 kg
• Leonardo Valeriani: -73 kg
• Antonio Esposito: -81 kg
• Leonardo Casaglia: -81 kg
• Kenny Komi Bedel: -90 kg
• Gennaro Pirelli: -100 kg

Similar to the women’s side, the men’s team has doubled up in the -66 kg, -73 kg, and -81 kg divisions, increasing their probability of reaching the final blocks in those specific weight classes.

Tournament Schedule and Viewing Logistics

For fans and analysts following the action from abroad, the competition follows a strict daily rhythm. The tournament is structured to build tension throughout the day, moving from the grueling preliminary rounds to the high-stakes finals.

Across all four days of competition, the schedule is as follows (referenced in Italian time):

• Eliminatories: Start at 08:30
• Final Block: Begins at 14:00

The final block is where the podium compositions are decided, and it is typically the most watched window of the event, as the top seeds clash for the 14 available continental titles.

As the athletes make their final preparations in the Georgian capital, the focus remains on the balance between technical precision and the mental fortitude required for a four-day sprint. In a land where judo is woven into the cultural fabric, the pressure on the home crowd and the visiting favorites will be immense.

The first matches begin Thursday morning. Stay tuned for live updates and medal tallies as the competition unfolds in Tbilisi.

Do you think Italy can break their own record from Podgorica? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.