The 17-year-old Georgian judoka Saba Sabaishvili advanced to the final of the 2026 Berlin Junior European Cup after a dominant performance in the -81kg category, according to the European Judo Union (EJU). The event, held at the Max Schmeling Halle in Berlin, Germany, featured over 500 athletes from 35 nations, with Sabaishvili’s path to the final marked by three technical superiority wins, including a 10-0 victory over Poland’s Adam Nowak in the semifinals.
Sabaishvili, who trains at the Georgian Judo Federation’s Tbilisi training center, has emerged as a rising star in junior judo. His performance in Berlin followed a strong showing at the 2025 European Junior Championships, where he won bronze in the same weight class. “Saba’s consistency and technical precision are remarkable for his age,” said EJU head coach Viktor Kovalenko in a press release. “He’s a product of Georgia’s rigorous junior development program, which has produced multiple world champions.”
The Berlin Cup, held biennially, serves as a key qualifier for the IJF Junior World Championships. Sabaishvili’s final opponent will be Russia’s Ilya Petrov, who defeated France’s Thomas Lefevre 12-1 in the other semifinal. The final is scheduled for 18:00 CET on Saturday, with the winner earning a direct berth to the 2026 IJF Junior World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
What Happened in the Berlin Junior European Cup?
Sabaishvili’s journey to the final began with a first-round bye, followed by a 10-0 technical victory over Azerbaijan’s Tural Mammadov in the round of 32. His quarterfinal match against Italy’s Luca Bernardi was closer, with Sabaishvili securing a 6-2 decision after a tense exchange of throws and counterattacks. “I focused on staying calm and executing my techniques,” Sabaishvili said in a post-match interview. “The crowd here is incredible—Berlin has a real judo tradition.”
The semifinal against Nowak highlighted Sabaishvili’s versatility. He used a combination of uchimata (inner thigh throw) and osoto-gari (large outer leg throw) to dominate the match, ending it with a 10-0 scoreline. Nowak, a 16-year-old from Warsaw, later told reporters that Sabaishvili’s footwork and timing were “nearly impossible to counter.”
The EJU’s official tournament report noted that Sabaishvili’s performance was part of a strong Georgian showing. The nation secured four medals in total, including a gold in the -66kg class by Luka Kobiashvili. “Georgia’s junior program is a model for other countries,” said EJU president Maria Lindholm. “Their emphasis on technical discipline and physical conditioning is paying off.”
Why Does This Matter for Saba Sabaishvili?
Sabaishvili’s success in Berlin positions him as a frontrunner for the 2026 IJF Junior World Championships. At 17, he is already competing at the highest level of junior judo, a stage where many athletes begin their professional careers. His technical style—characterized by precise throws and strong groundwork—aligns with the IJF’s evolving emphasis on dynamic, high-scoring matches.
The significance of the Berlin Cup extends beyond individual achievement. The event is a critical step in the IJF’s “Judo 2025” strategy, which aims to expand the sport’s global footprint by prioritizing junior competitions. “This tournament is a pipeline for future Olympic stars,” said IJF spokesperson Ana Mijatović. “Athletes who excel here often transition to senior competitions within two to three years.”
Sabaishvili’s path also reflects Georgia’s growing influence in judo. The country has produced multiple Olympic medalists, including Nino Salukvadze (shooting, but a national icon) and the late Davit Kezerashvili, a two-time Olympic gold medalist. “We’re building on that legacy,” said Georgian Judo Federation director Giorgi Kobiashvili. “Saba is part of a new generation that’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”
What’s Next for Saba Sabaishvili?
The final against Petrov will be Sabaishvili’s most challenging test yet. Petrov, a 17-year-old from Moscow, is known for his aggressive style and strong tachi-gatame (standing armlock) techniques. In a recent interview, Petrov described Sabaishvili as “a tough opponent, but I’m confident in my preparation.”
The winner of the Berlin Cup will automatically qualify for the 2026 IJF Junior World Championships, which will be held from August 15–20 in Tashkent. The event is expected to draw over 1,000 athletes from 80 countries, with the top three finishers in each weight class earning spots in the 2027 IJF World Championships. “This is a huge opportunity for Saba,” said his coach, Davit Kobiashvili. “If he can win here, he’ll be on track for a world title by 2028.”
For now, Sabaishvili is focusing on the immediate challenge. “I’ve trained for this moment,” he said. “I’ll give everything I have in the final.” His performance in Berlin has already drawn attention from European judo federations, with several expressing interest in hosting him for training camps in 2026.
How to Follow the Final
The final between Saba Sabaishvili and
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