Luka Mkheidze Claims Second European Judo Title in Tbilisi

French judoka Luka Mkheidze secured his second European Championship gold medal in the men’s -60 kg category at the 2026 European Judo Championships held in Tbilisi, Georgia. The victory came just minutes after his compatriot Shirine Boukli won gold in the women’s division, marking a historic double for France on Georgian soil.

Born in Tbilisi on January 5, 1996, Mkheidze returned to his birthplace as a celebrated athlete representing France. His triumph in the Georgian capital carried deep personal significance, having fled the country with his family at age 12 following the 2008 South Ossetia conflict. After eight months in Poland, he settled in the Paris region in 2010 under refugee status.

In the final, Mkheidze defeated Giorgi Sardalashvili of Georgia, the reigning world champion and defending European titleholder from 2024. Sardalashvili had held the continental crown since Montpellier 2023, making Mkheidze’s victory a notable upset in the highly competitive -60 kg division.

The win adds to Mkheidze’s impressive résumé, which includes Olympic medals from both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. He earned bronze in the individual -60 kg event at Tokyo and silver in the same category at Paris, while also contributing to France’s gold medal in the mixed team event at the 2024 Games.

Mkheidze’s European Championship record now stands at two gold medals (2023 Montpellier, 2026 Tbilisi), one silver (2021 Lisbon) and one bronze (2022). His victory in Tbilisi continues a strong French presence in the -60 kg category at continental level.

The 2026 European Judo Championships in Tbilisi featured competitors from across Europe, with the event serving as a key qualifier and preparation tournament for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Mkheidze’s performance reinforces his status as one of the world’s top judokas in the lightweight division.

Following his victory, Mkheidze emphasized the emotional weight of winning in his birthplace, noting the journey from refugee to continental champion. His success highlights the integration journey of athletes who have found fresh homes through sport while maintaining connections to their origins.

The French judo team’s double gold in Tbilisi underscores the nation’s continued strength in the sport, building on recent Olympic success. Mkheidze’s achievement adds momentum to France’s preparations for future international competitions, including the World Championships and the next Olympic cycle.

As Mkheidze looks ahead, his focus remains on maintaining peak performance through the 2026-2027 season, with the World Championships and continued European Circuit events on the horizon. His victory in Tbilisi serves as both a personal milestone and a testament to his enduring excellence in the sport.

For ongoing coverage of Luka Mkheidze’s career and upcoming judo competitions, readers are encouraged to follow official updates from the International Judo Federation and national sports federations. Share your thoughts on this historic victory in the comments below.