Ukraine's Squad for the 2026 European Judo Championships
The Ukrainian Judo Federation has finalized its 12-athlete team for the 2026 European Championships, set for Tbilisi, Georgia, from April 16 to 19. The squad comprises nine men and three women. Notably absent will be women's team leader Yuliia Kurchenko, who is forced to withdraw due to a shoulder injury sustained at the Tbilisi Grand Slam tournament. She is now awaiting surgery.
The Ukrainian team will travel to Georgia in three groups, starting April 12. The European Judo Championships are expected to be a high-level competition, drawing over 400 judokas from 46 nations.
Team Roster
The full roster for the Ukrainian national team is as follows:
- Men:
- -60 kg: Dilshot Khalmatov, Artem Lesiuk
- -73 kg: Said-Magomed Khalidov
- -81 kg: Mykhailo Svidrak, Vladyslav Kolobov
- -100 kg: Anton Savytskyi, Yaroslav Davydchuk
- +100 kg: Yevhenii Balievskyi, Yakov Khammo
- Women:
- -70 kg: Olha Tsimko
- -78 kg: Anna Kazakova
- +78 kg: Ruslana Bulavina
This competition is a key benchmark event on the road to the next Olympic cycle. It is worth noting that while the Ukrainian team concluded the 2026 Winter Olympics without a medal, its athletes secured eight top-ten finishes, demonstrating a strong foundation of talent and preparation for the international stage.
The Tbilisi championships represent a significant challenge for the Ukrainian squad, especially with the loss of one of the nation's top judokas, Yuliia Kurchenko. However, the participation of 12 athletes underscores the team's depth and diversity of talent, which could form the basis for future success. The results here will likely influence preparations for upcoming international events, including the Olympic Games. Given the team's previous performances, their campaign in Tbilisi will be closely followed by fans and sports analysts alike.
As the Ukrainian judo team prepares for the European Championships, it's worth noting that other Ukrainian athletes are also gearing up for significant competitions. For instance, five Ukrainian competitors are set to chase medals in three disciplines at the upcoming World Indoor Championships. This highlights the nation's commitment to excellence across various sports, showcasing the depth of talent and determination present in Ukrainian athletics. To learn more about these athletes and their aspirations, visit the latest updates on their medal hopes.