Tbilisi, Georgia – Kaila Issoufi, the 25-year-old French judoka, added to her impressive recent run with a bronze medal at the European Senior Championships in Tbilisi on April 19, 2026. The result continues a trajectory that has seen Issoufi turn into a consistent presence on the international judo circuit, culminating in a gold medal at the OTP Group Tashkent Grand Slam just over a month prior, on March 1, 2026.
Issoufi’s path to the podium in Tbilisi wasn’t without challenges. She secured her bronze medal victory against Germany’s Julie Hoelterhoff, according to results posted on the International Judo Federation (IJF) website. Earlier in the day, she defeated Israel’s Inbar Lanir in the quarter-finals before falling to Italy’s Alice Bellandi in the semi-finals. The competition showcased the depth of talent within the -78kg weight class, and Issoufi’s ability to navigate a tough bracket underscores her growing maturity as a competitor.
The Tashkent Grand Slam victory, where she defeated Anna Monta Olek of Germany in the final, marked a high point in Issoufi’s career thus far. The IJF website details her dominant performance throughout the tournament, including wins over Aleksandra Babintseva of Russia and Mami Umeki of Japan in earlier rounds. This win followed a bronze medal at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam in November 2025, and a bronze at the Guadalajara Grand Prix in October 2025, demonstrating a consistent ability to contend for medals at major international events.
Issoufi’s judo journey began at the Judo-club de Saint-Avé in Morbihan, France. While details of her early training are limited in publicly available sources, her current coach’s comments, as reported in French media, suggest a natural talent and dedication to the sport. The early foundation laid in Saint-Avé appears to have been crucial in developing the skills and mindset that have propelled her to success on the world stage.
Looking at Issoufi’s broader competitive record, as documented on JudoInside, her progression has been steady. She secured a silver medal at the 2022 European U23 championships in Sarajevo and a bronze at the European Open in Sofia in 2023. These results, combined with her recent successes, highlight a consistent upward trend. She also claimed bronze medals at the 2024 European Open in Madrid and Prague, and the 2025 Grand Slam in Dushanbe, further solidifying her position among Europe’s elite judokas.
Currently ranked 7th in the world in the -78kg category, with 3358 points as of April 30, 2026, according to the IJF, Issoufi is clearly a force to be reckoned with. Her world ranking reflects not only her recent medal-winning performances but also her consistent participation and success across a range of IJF-sanctioned events. The ranking system rewards consistent performance, and Issoufi’s steady climb demonstrates her commitment to competing at the highest level.
Issoufi’s next scheduled competition is the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam in Mongolia, scheduled for June 19-20, 2026. Prior to that, she will participate in a training camp hosted by the European Judo Union (EJU) in Benidorm, Spain, from May 18-26, 2026. This training camp will provide a valuable opportunity to refine her technique and prepare for the challenges ahead. The Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam will be another crucial opportunity for Issoufi to earn points towards Olympic qualification and further solidify her position among the world’s top judokas.
The -78kg weight class is known for its competitiveness, and Issoufi will face a formidable field in Ulaanbaatar. Her recent successes, however, suggest she is well-equipped to handle the pressure and continue her impressive run of form. Fans can follow Issoufi’s progress and find updates on the IJF website and JudoInside.
Kaila Issoufi’s story is one of dedication, perseverance, and consistent improvement. From her beginnings at the Judo-club de Saint-Avé to her recent successes on the international stage, she has demonstrated the qualities of a true champion. Her continued success will undoubtedly inspire aspiring judokas in France and around the world.
Next up for Issoufi: the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam in June. Stay tuned to Archysport for updates.
