Shirine Boukli Claims Fifth European Judo Title in -48kg Final Against Sabina Giliazova
Shirine Boukli has secured her fifth European judo championship title in the women’s -48kg division, defeating Russia’s Sabina Giliazova in a grueling final that extended well beyond regulation time at the 2026 European Judo Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia.
The victory, achieved on April 16, 2026, at the Olympic Palace, gives Boukli her fifth continental crown, adding to her previous titles from 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2025. The 27-year-old French judoka now stands alone as the most decorated athlete in the history of the European Championships in this weight class.
The final against Giliazova proved to be one of the most demanding of Boukli’s career, lasting over twelve minutes with approximately eight minutes contested in the golden score period – judo’s equivalent of overtime where the first score wins.
According to verified results from the competition, Boukli defeated Giliazova by a score of 100 to 000 in the final match. The French judoka had earlier defeated Shafag Hamidova of Azerbaijan 100-000 in the semifinals, while Giliazova advanced by beating Eva Pérez Soler of Spain 010-000 in her semifinal bout.
The path to the final saw Boukli dominate her pool, recording victories over Julieta Rodonaia (010-000), Andrea Stojadinov (001-000 in quarterfinal after a 010-000 first round win over Helen Habib), and Marina Vorobeva (001-000 in quarterfinal). Giliazova similarly progressed through her pool, defeating Szabina Szeleczki (100-000 in quarterfinal after 100-000 first round and 010-000 in round of 16), Tuğçe Beder (100-000 in quarterfinal), and Shafag Hamidova (110-000 in quarterfinal after 010-000 first round and 100-000 in round of 16).
Bronze medals were awarded to Marina Vorobeva of Russia and Laura Martínez of Spain. Vorobeva secured her medal by defeating Tara Babulfath of Sweden 100-000 in the repechage bracket and then winning 101-000 against Eva Pérez Soler. Martínez claimed the other bronze by defeating Tuğçe Beder of Turkey 110-000 in repechage and then winning 001-000 against Shafag Hamidova.
The competition featured 21 athletes from 14 nations, confirming the continued depth and competitiveness of the women’s -48kg division in European judo. Tbilisi’s Olympic Palace hosted the event as part of the broader 2026 European Judo Championships, which continued through April 19, 2026.
Boukli’s victory marks a significant milestone in her career, establishing her as the first judoka to win five European titles in the -48kg category. Her previous wins came in 2020 (Podgorica), 2022 (multiple locations due to pandemic adjustments), 2023, and 2025, demonstrating remarkable consistency over a six-year period.
The French judoka entered the tournament as the top seed and defending champion, having won the title in each of the previous four editions. Despite Giliazova holding a 2-1 advantage in their career head-to-head meetings entering the match, Boukli’s experience and tactical acumen proved decisive in the championship encounter.
For France, the victory represented the nation’s first medal of the 2026 European Judo Championships, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the competition. Boukli’s performance exemplified the technical precision and mental resilience that have characterized her rise to the pinnacle of European judo.
The result adds to Boukli’s growing legacy in the sport, which includes Olympic and World Championship medals alongside her continental dominance. Her ability to perform at the highest level under extreme pressure, particularly in extended golden score situations, has become a hallmark of her competitive approach.
Looking ahead, Boukli will likely turn her focus toward upcoming international competitions, including preparations for the next Olympic cycle. The 2026 European Championships continue through April 19, with other weight classes set to produce their medalists in the coming days.
As Boukli celebrates her historic fifth European title, her achievement serves as a benchmark for excellence in women’s judo and highlights the enduring competitiveness of European athletes on the continental stage.
For continued coverage of the 2026 European Judo Championships and other international judo competitions, readers can follow official updates from the International Judo Federation and European Judo Union.
What are your thoughts on Shirine Boukli’s historic fifth European title? Share your perspective in the comments below and join the conversation about this remarkable achievement in women’s judo.
