European Judo Championships 2026: France’s Double Gold Triumph in Tbilisi

Tbilisi, Georgia – On Thursday, April 16, 2026, France secured two gold medals at the European Judo Championships held in Tbilisi, Georgia, as Shirine Boukli and Luka Mkheidze claimed victory in their respective weight classes. The victories marked a significant achievement for French judo on the continental stage, coming just months after the pair’s Olympic successes in Paris 2024.

Boukli, competing in the women’s 48 kg category, defeated her opponent in the final to capture the continental title. Her performance continued France’s strong showing in the lighter weight divisions, building on her previous European championship experience. Meanwhile, Mkheidze, representing France in the men’s 60 kg division, won his second European gold medal, having previously triumphed at the 2023 Championships in Montpellier.

The Georgian capital provided a fitting backdrop for the championships, with Tbilisi hosting the event for the first time in recent memory. The city’s modern sports facilities accommodated competitors from across Europe, creating a competitive atmosphere that highlighted the depth of talent in European judo.

Alongside the gold medals, France added to its medal tally through strong performances by teammates Amandine Buchard and Walide Khyar. Buchard secured silver in the women’s 52 kg category, continuing her pattern of excellence at the European Championships after previous gold medals in 2021 and 2023. Khyar earned bronze in the men’s 66 kg division, contributing to France’s overall success in the men’s lightweight categories.

The results underscored France’s position as a powerhouse in European judo, with multiple athletes reaching the podium across different weight classes. For Mkheidze, the victory in Tbilisi represented a continuation of his upward trajectory in the sport, following his silver medal performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the same weight class. His journey to the top of the podium reflects his dedication since arriving in France with refugee status in 2010 from his native Georgia.

Boukli’s victory added to her growing list of accomplishments in international competition. Her success in Tbilisi demonstrated her consistency at the highest level of European judo, positioning her as a leading contender for future international events. The dual victories highlighted the strength of France’s judo program, which has consistently produced medalists at both European and global competitions.

As the championships concluded, the French judo team celebrated a successful campaign that exceeded expectations. The results in Tbilisi not only added to France’s medal count but likewise provided valuable momentum heading into the remainder of the 2026 competitive season. With the European Championships serving as a key milestone in the judo calendar, the performances in Georgia will be remembered as a highlight of France’s sporting year.

Looking ahead, both Boukli and Mkheidze will aim to build on their Tbilisi successes as they prepare for upcoming international competitions. Their victories serve as inspiration for the next generation of French judoka, demonstrating the possibilities achievable through dedication and hard work in the sport. The European Championships in Tbilisi will be remembered as a landmark event for French judo, showcasing the nation’s depth and talent across multiple weight classes.