At the ongoing European Judo Championships in Podgorica, Montenegro, reigning world champion Giorgi Sardalashvili [60 kg] has clinched the gold medal.

He triumphed over Ayub Bliev, competing under the International Judo Federation flag, with a decisive Yuko in extra time during the final match, securing the 1st medal of the competition for the Georgian national team.

Three other Georgian judokas - Vazha Margvelashvili and Temur Nozadze [both in the 66 kg category] and Julieta Rodonaia [48 kg] - were defeated in the early rounds and left the competition without medals.