Calm Under Pressure Lifts Claudia Pla Belmonte to Malaga Gold

Claudia Pla Belmonte showed her composure on the senior Judo stage at the Malaga Senior European Cup 2026. Spain’s reigning junior European champion took gold in the -48 kg category, adding another important result to an already promising season.

Pla Belmonte arrived in Malaga ranked 123rd in the world and faced a field with more senior-circuit experience. That challenge did not slow the Spanish judoka down: she won all four of her contests to reach the top of the podium.

The decisive test came when she fell behind by a Waza-ari during one contest. Rather than rushing or abandoning her approach, Pla Belmonte stayed patient and continued with the plan she had prepared before stepping onto the tatami.

She explained that remaining calm was her priority after her opponent scored. Knowing there was still time, she chose not to make a dramatic change, trusting that her original approach could still bring her back into the contest.

A Waza-ari deficit did not stop the young Spaniard from sticking to her plan.

Her junior European title had already highlighted her potential. This gold medal in Malaga now offers another clear sign that Pla Belmonte is becoming increasingly comfortable against senior opposition.

For Spanish Judo, her performance continues a strong week that also saw the country’s senior judoka make an impact at the World Judo Championships in Baku. Back in Spain, the next generation made sure its own message was heard.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union