J1 Women – Small Fields, Big Impact
The entry lists may not be the largest in the J1 women’s divisions but the calibre is sky-high. In the -52 kg category, new world champion, crowned only a few months ago in Astana at -46 kg, Aminat D. Omarova (NPA) steps up alongside Victoria Potapova (NPA) and Ecem Tasin Cavdar (TUR), both bronze medallists at the 2025 worlds. Cavdar also brings a Paralympic bronze from Paris 2024.
The -60 kg category sees Anzhela Havrysiuk (UKR), already decorated with both world and Paralympic bronzes, facing off with fellow world medallist Merve Uslu Hajabipour (TUR). At -70 kg, Greece’s Theodora Paschalidou, a medallist from Paris and Astana, enters as the favourite. Meanwhile, the heavyweight scene will probably be dominated by none other than Anastasiia Harnyk (UKR), the reigning world and Paralympic champion, who is joined by Nazan Akin Gunes (TUR), a Paris 2024 bronze medal winner.
J1 Men – Heavyweight Firepower, Home Favourite Rising
This division oozes pedigree: ten recent world medallists and eight Paralympic podium finishers are spread across the weight categories. The -70 kg group is headlined by long-time dominator Florin Alexandru Bologa (ROU), the 2025 world champion, a Paralympic champion and the IBSA world ranking leader. Though his German rival Lenart Sass has moved up a weight category, danger still looms in the form of Dong Dong Camanni (ITA), 2025 world silver medallist, and Viktor Rudenko (NPA), a third place finisher.
Georgia’s Saba Bagdavadze, world champion and IBSA world number 1 at -81 kg, carries the weight of home expectation and could well be the face of the championships. France pins its hopes on veteran Cyril D. Jonard, a Paralympic bronze medallist and fresh world medallist. In the -95 kg section, Britain’s Daniel Powell enters as the reigning world champion, while the super heavyweight crown will be contested fiercely, with Ion Basoc(MDA), world and Paralympic silver medallist, holding top seed status.
J2 Women – Champions Collide at Lightweight
If there’s one category guaranteed to ignite sparks, it’s the J2 -52 kg group. With the exception of one person, the entire 2025 world championship podium has reassembled here. France’s Sandrine Aurieres Martinet (Paralympic silver) and Turkiye’s Cahide Eke (Paralympic bronze) join world number 1 Alesia Stepaniuk (NPA) for what could be one of the most intense divisions of the tournament.
Over at -60 kg, Daria Stakanova (NPA), the newly crowned world champion, carries the strongest credentials, though the home crowd will have plenty to cheer for with Ina Kaldani (GEO), Paralympic bronze medallist, chasing glory in the +70 kg category.
J2 Men – Georgia’s Triple Threat
The men’s J2 division is bursting with contenders and Georgia has several heavy hitters. At -70 kg, Giorgi Kaldani rides the momentum of his recent world title. At -95 kg, Georgia fields a powerhouse of a line-up with reigning world champion Zviad Gogotchuri, plus world bronze medallist Lasha Kizilashvili, all facing stern opposition from Germany’s Daniel Rafael Goral and Paralympic silver medallist Helios Latchoumanaya (FRA).
Heavyweight fans will have their eyes on Revaz Chikoidze (GEO), Paralympic silver and world bronze medallist, while the -81 kg category looks open with Britain’s Evan Molloy and Italy’s Simone Cannizzaro, both fresh from world bronze success, tipped as frontrunners.
For the very first time, Georgia is hosting an IBSA European Championships. With their rich judo heritage and fierce pride as a nation, fans can expect a weekend of intense rivalries, powerful performances and unforgettable moments.
The tatami is ready. The champions are here. The stage belongs to them.