Akhalkatsi’s comeback lifts Georgia at the Gori Senior European Cup

The final day in Gori brought a strong home finish, with Georgia taking control of the Senior European Cup 2026 and closing the event at the top of the medal table. Gold medals on Sunday were decided in seven weight categories, and the hosts made their biggest statement in the women’s -52 kg and the men’s -90 kg and +100 kg divisions.

The most emotional moment came in men’s -90 kg, where Vladimer Akhalkatsi returned to the top step in front of the local crowd. The 2019 Junior World Champion claimed his first title since moving up from -81 kg, a significant step after a long break from competition caused by serious injuries.

For Akhalkatsi, this was more than just another medal. His previous gold came at the 2024 Rome European Open, and this win marked a successful restart in a new and highly competitive category. Speaking after the event, he said the injury layoff had been long and difficult, but that surgery and hard work had brought him back to the mat.

Gori saw a comeback story land exactly where Georgia wanted it: on top of the podium.

He also made it clear that the move to -90 kg is only the beginning. Akhalkatsi described the division as tough, admitted he had difficult contests throughout the day, and said he was especially motivated for the final against Alii Datkhuzhev. In the end, he said, he was happy to win convincingly and give the home fans a chance to hear the Georgian anthem.

Georgia’s strength was just as visible in the heavyweight category. In men’s +100 kg, the home team swept the podium and collected all four medals available, underlining the depth of the Georgian squad in one of its traditional strong divisions. Among those on the podium was bronze medallist Giga Tatiashvili, who made his return to international competition after seven years away.

That result carried its own weight. Tatiashvili had been cadet world champion in 2019 and also won cadet European silver, so his return added another layer of emotion to the host nation’s final-day success.

Across the event, gold medals were won by athletes representing Georgia, Azerbaijan, Switzerland and the IJF. When the tournament ended, six countries plus the IJF representation had reached the top step at least once.

Georgia finished first in the medal standings with 4 gold, 6 silver and 8 bronze medals. Switzerland followed in second place with 3 gold medals, while Azerbaijan ended third with 2 gold, 1 silver and 6 bronze medals.

Georgia did not just win at home; it set the tone of the weekend.

The Gori edition is now complete, and attention turns to the next stop on the circuit. The upcoming Senior European Cup is scheduled for Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on 30-31 May 2026.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union