The final block began with the J1M -70 kg category, where Viktor Rudenko (NPA) and Armindo Rodrigues (FRA) opened the medal tally with bronzes, Rodrigues showing true grit by turning a potentially losing score into a podium finish. Then came the much-anticipated showdown: reigning world and Paralympic champion Florin Alexandru Bologa (ROU) vs 2025 world silver medallist, Dong Dong Camanni (ITA).
From the start, Bologa unleashed relentless morote-seoi-nage attacks, testing Camanni’s resilience. Penalties stacked up, the clock ticked down, but in classic Bologa fashion, he found his moment. With just seconds left, the Romanian star locked in an osae-komi-waza and the referee’s “ippon” signalled the crown was his. Once again, Bologa reminded the world why he is the man to beat, the 2025 IBSA European champion.
Next came the J2 men’s -70 kg final: Giorgi Kaldani (GEO) against Miles Soloman (GBR). Naturally, Soloman was fighting more than just an opponent; he was battling the cheers of the Georgians. Less than thirty seconds in, Kaldani swept him for waza-ari and the crowd erupted. Moments later, another thunderous throw ended it. The new European champion stood in glory as his countrymen rose, a standing ovation. Bronze went to Recep Ciftci (TUR) and another local hero Zurab Zurabiani (GEO), whose medal brought the crowd to its feet once again.
Following a round robin showdown in the J2W -52 kg division, the gold belonged to Alesia Stepaniuk (NPA), who stormed through her contests with lightning-fast victories. Only Paralympic silver medallist Sandrine Aurieres Martinet (FRA) managed to stretch her, taking silver, while Cahide Eke (TUR) claimed bronze.
In the J1W -52 kg class, Türkiye’s Ecem Tasin Cavdar had to dig deep through three demanding battles but emerged triumphant with European gold. Although it was Victoria Potapova (NPA) giving Tasin Cavdar the toughest time, eventually it was her teammate, Aminat D Omarova (NPA), who settled for silver while Havva Elmali (TUR) took bronze.
The J2W -60 kg final saw a clash of power and precision. Bronze medals went to Spain’s Marta Arce Payno and Germany’s Isabell Thal. However, the spotlight belonged to Daria Stakanova (NPA) who dispatched Dondu Yesilyurt (TUR) in just 26 seconds with a precise juji-gatame. She became European champion in less than half a minute.
The J1M -81 kg final delivered pure drama. Lenart Sass (GER) and Cyril D Jonard (FRA) fought a tense battle of wits and will, penalties piling up until golden score tipped the balance. At 2:48 into extra time, Jonard’s attempted sumi-gaeshi fell short, giving Sass the opening he needed. In a blink, the German trapped his rival in osae-komi and claimed the crown.
The J2M -81 kg category brought a perfect ending for the home crowd: an all-Georgian final. Bachuki Shelia threw everything into his low seoi-nage attacks, while Levan Gugava stood strong, countering and controlling. In the decisive exchange, Gugava struck for waza-ari and closed with osae-komi. The roar that followed the closing gold of the first day could be heard even in the neighbouring streets.
By the end of the opening day, athletes from ten countries had reached the podium, a reflection of the steady growth of visually impaired and blind judo across Europe, while the community behind is pushing harder than ever. Tomorrow, the action continues with the remaining individual weight categories. The battles resume at 11:00 local time (CET +2), and if today was any indication, the best is yet to come.
