The Georgian youth judo team won European Team Championship twice in a row. The team of Gia Gugava arrived in Bucharest as current European and world champion and proved its strength once again.

The U-21 teams from 13 countries participated in the tournament. Georgia was a top seed and started participation from ¼ final, with France.

The Georgian team consisted of Gela Kelikhashvili (66 kg), Koba Mchedlishvili (73 kg), Ushangi Margiani (81 kg), Beka Gviniashvili (90 kg), Guram Tushishvili (+90 kg). Kelikhashvili and Mchedlishvili won by yukos. Margiani, Gviniashvili and Tushishvili won by ippons and Georgia beat France 5:0.

In semifinal the Georgian judokas faced Russia. After the failure of Kelikhashvili and Margiani, Mchedlishvili, Gviniashvili and Tushishvili won their fights.

In final Georgia defeated Ukraine 3:2. The fifth fight turned out to be decisive where Guram Tushishvili beat Iakiv Jamos. Gela Kelikhashvili and Beka Gviniashvili won their fights. Koba Mchedlishvili and Levan Gugava (81 kg) lost.  

In repechage final both fights ended 3:2. France won over Austria and Germany – Russia.

The Individual Championship also took place in Bucharest. The Georgian team earned the most points with 1 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze medals. Beka Gviniashvili (90 kg) became champion of Europe. Tornike Nagliashvili (55 kg), Ivane Javakhishvili (60 kg) and Ushangi Margiani (81 kg) won silver medals. Levan Gugava (73 kg) took the third place.

Word Championship Juniors will be held in Miami on October 22-26.

Vasil Mshvildadze