The Coupe européenne d’Espagne 2026 brought international judo competitors to Malaga, Spain, on October 10-11, 2026, where athletes across weight divisions secured podium finishes, L’Esprit du Judo reported.
Malaga Podium Results and Divisional Champions
Competition across the two-day tournament spanned seven women’s and seven men’s categories, drawing national delegations from across Europe and the Americas. In the women’s -48kg division, Spain’s Claudia Pla Belmonte claimed the gold medal, defeating France’s Marine Gilly of JC Maisons-Alfort in the final. Asia Avanzato of Italy and Helen Habib of Germany shared the bronze medals. The -52kg category concluded with Luciana Catana of Romania taking first place over silver medalist Marta Beorlegui Oses of Spain, while Tabea Nika Mecklenburg of Germany and Martina Castagnola of Italy captured bronze.
Charlotte von Leupoldt secured a gold medal for Germany in the -57kg division, overcoming Maelenn Cotard of JC Maisons-Alfort in the bout for the title. Carla Ubasart Mascaro and Alba Juan Martinez, both representing Spain, earned bronze. In the -63kg category, Shenna Nitsche of Germany topped the podium ahead of Italian runner-up Raffaella Lelia Ciano, with Agnese Zucco of Italy and Salome Steinebruner of Germany rounding out the medalists.
Men’s Division Victories and International Medalists
The men’s competition featured podium battles across seven weight classes, highlighted by international entries capturing top honors. In the -60kg division, Eduardo Sagastegui of Mexico claimed the gold medal, defeating Brazil’s Joao Rodrigues. Nicolas Kutscher of Germany and Asier Murillo Martinez de Lizarrondo of Spain earned bronze. The -66kg category saw David Ickes of Germany take first place over compatriot Florian Boecker, while Driss Masson Jbilou of Olympic Judo Nice and Méane Korval of Stade Bordelais Judo secured bronze medals for France.
Davit Liparteliani Gugava triumphed in the -73kg division for Spain, defeating Ukrainian silver medalist Serhii Nebotov. Giorgi Akhalauri of Georgia and Jose Antonio Aranda Olalla of Spain rounded out the podium. In the -81kg category, Arnaud Aregba of US Orléans Loiret JJJ secured the gold medal for France by defeating Itay Bibitko of Israel, with Luan Almeida of Brazil and Inaki Baztan Merchan of Spain capturing bronze.
Tournament Schedule and Continuing European Circuit
The Malaga European Cup events concluded on October 11, 2026, marking another stop on the international judo calendar.
