Golden Score Sets the Tone in Portimão Veterans Battle

Georgia took centre stage on the second day of the 2026 European Veterans Judo Championships in Portimão, collecting nine gold medals. The day’s standout Judo moment came in an all-Georgian final between Daviti Loriashvili and Adam Okruashvili at Portimão Arena.

Okruashvili arrived with a major international record. He competed at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games and had already won the World Veterans Championship title earlier in 2026. Against him stood Loriashvili, setting up the contrast that made this final one of the day’s most compelling contests.

The match was closely balanced, with both judoka showing determination under pressure. Loriashvili defeated Okruashvili in golden score to claim the European title.

An all-Georgian final delivered one of Portimão’s most tense moments.

Beyond that headline clash, Georgia finished the day with nine European titles. France, which had led the medal table after the opening day, claimed seven gold medals to place second, while Spain secured third with two gold medals.

Portugal also reached the top of the podium once more, winning one gold medal for the second consecutive day. The host team’s result added another positive note to a day defined by intense contests and emotional moments on and off the tatami.

With strong performances from Georgia, France, Spain and Portugal, the European Veterans Judo Championships continued to show the depth of competition across the continent. But the golden score final between Loriashvili and Okruashvili remained the contest that captured the day’s drama.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union