Gori Gets Ready for a Home Judo Weekend with Local Hopes Running High

Gori is set for another big judo moment, with the Gori Senior European Cup bringing international action to one of Georgia’s most respected sporting cities on 9–10 May. For a place with deep roots in judo, this is more than just another event on the calendar. It feels personal.

The small Georgian city is known far beyond its size thanks to its strong sporting tradition and its connection to some of the country’s biggest names. Among them is Lasha Shavdatuashvili, the Georgian star who has won Olympic, World and European titles. That history gives the tournament extra meaning as European judo arrives in a city where the sport is part of everyday life.

Nearly 191 athletes from 18 countries are expected to compete at the Gori Sports Palace. With that kind of field, the atmosphere should be intense from the opening contests. And with home fans ready to fill the venue, Georgian athletes will not need any reminder that this competition matters.

In Gori, judo is not just watched, it is felt.

One of the local names carrying that pressure is Jumber Meladze in the -81 kg category. Competing in his hometown, he said he feels well prepared and ready for the challenge after a training camp in Hungary and further physical work in Tbilisi with his coaches. He also said his weight cut went to plan, leaving him focused on the fights ahead.

For Meladze, the tournament means more because it is happening at home. He described that as a major responsibility, especially with an event of this level taking place in his own country and city. At the same time, he made clear that his goal is simple: give everything and fight for gold.

That balance between pride and pressure could become one of the defining themes of the weekend. Home events can lift an athlete, but they also ask for emotional control. Meladze seems to understand both sides of that moment.

He also spoke about the support he expects from the crowd in Gori, where combat sports hold a special place. With family, friends and relatives in the stands, he believes that backing can make a real difference, especially in the hardest moments of competition when energy starts to drop.

Home support may be one of Georgia’s strongest weapons this weekend.

The event also reflects something bigger for Georgian judo. According to Meladze, this is already the fifth international tournament hosted by Georgia in a row this year. In his view, that says a lot about how much the sport is growing in the country and how strongly it connects with the public.

He believes that visibility matters, especially for younger people watching from the stands or online. More tournaments at home can bring more kids into the sport, offer direction and inspiration, and help shape the next generation of judoka.

That might be the wider story in Gori. Yes, medals will matter. But so will the image of a city and a country continuing to build around judo, with a local crowd, a proud tradition and athletes ready to carry that weight onto the tatami.

All the action from Gori will be available live on JudoTV.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union