Turkiye’s national judo team claimed the overall title at the European Judo Cup in Málaga after winning four gold, three silver, and three bronze medals. Competitors under the International Judo Federation neutral flag also took four golds but finished second with fewer silver medals. Host nation Spain placed third.

The event, held on October 11–12, gathered 289 judoka and 19 referees from 33 countries in the Andalusian city. It was organised by the European Judo Union together with the Royal Spanish Judo Federation and the Andalusian Judo Federation. The competition gave athletes a chance to test themselves ahead of future tournaments on the IJF World Tour.

Spain, as host, fielded the largest team with 84 competitors. The home side won three gold medals through Alejandro Moral Navarro (-66 kg), Stanislav Rybin (-73 kg), and Sara Fernández (-78 kg).

Türkiye’s gold medals came from Buketnur Karabulut (-52 kg), Mihrac Akkus (-60 kg), Ayten Yeksan (-63 kg), and Muhammed Koc (-81 kg), confirming the team’s growing strength in European judo.

Neutral athletes competing under the IJF flag also impressed. Matvey Kanikovskiy, Timur Arbuzov, Marina Vorobeva, and Elis Startseva all won gold in their categories, producing one of the tournament’s strongest overall performances.

A highlight of the weekend was the EJU Continental Referee Examination, held alongside the competition. Referee candidates from across Europe underwent evaluations to advance their international certification. The initiative was praised for helping develop the next generation of elite officials.

Juan C. Barcos, president of the Royal Spanish Judo Federation, said Spain was honoured to host another major continental event.

“We are proud and grateful to once again host a European Cup in Spain. Our commitment to international judo is strong, and we welcome athletes, coaches, referees, and delegations with open arms,” Barcos said. “These events showcase Spain’s organisational capacity and inspire future generations to believe in the values of judo.”

The Málaga European Judo Cup once again highlighted Spain’s key role in European judo and showcased a deep pool of emerging talent across the continent.