Joshua de Lange lands breakthrough Prague gold with sharp soto-maki-komi

Joshua de Lange was one of the defining names on day two of the European Open Prague 2026. In the men’s -81 kg event, the Dutch judoka delivered the biggest title of his young senior career with a composed and explosive final performance.

The atmosphere inside the Prague Sports Hall matched the level on the tatami, with high-quality judo and several dramatic moments across the day. De Lange’s run stood out because of the way he handled the final: calm under pressure, patient in the exchanges, and clinical when the opening came.

The gold medal contest matched de Lange with France’s Benjamin Axus, an opponent known for constant pressure and a difficult gripping style. From the start, Axus tried to bring that intensity into the contest. De Lange, though, did not get dragged into the wrong fight. He managed the distance well and stayed disciplined, waiting for the right moment instead of forcing the action.

That moment arrived midway through the final. De Lange reacted instantly and turned in with a precise soto-maki-komi, controlling the arm and driving Axus decisively onto the tatami. It was Ippon without doubt, and the Dutch corner erupted as the referee confirmed the finish.

One opening was all Joshua de Lange needed in the final.

The victory carries extra weight because it comes in de Lange’s first year at senior level. He said after the medal ceremony that he and his coach chose to build a strong base at the start of the Olympic qualification period, which is why his season has focused on European Open events so far. After taking bronze and silver earlier in the season, Prague finally brought the gold.

That progression makes this result feel especially important. It was not only a title-winning day, but also another sign that de Lange is adapting quickly to senior judo. Winning in this way, against an experienced French opponent in a final, underlined both his confidence and his tactical maturity.

De Lange also made clear that his ambitions go much further than one European Open success. His next steps are set to be Grand Slams and Grand Prix events, while he identified the World Championships and the Masters as the main highlights of his season.

He also pointed to the narrow misses from last year, when he finished just outside the podium at the Junior World Championships and Junior European Championships. Rather than seeing those results only as disappointment, he described them as motivation to keep pushing and improving.

Prague gold gives the Dutch prospect real momentum for the senior stage.

With this result, de Lange has placed himself firmly on the radar as another exciting Dutch talent coming through. Prague may prove to be an early landmark on a much bigger journey, but even on its own, this was a statement performance: smart judo, perfect timing, and a finish worthy of the title.

Source: EJU.net