Italian Judo Team Gears Up for Tbilisi Grand Slam and Riga European Cup

The international judo world focuses on Georgia this week as the IJF World Tour arrives for the prestigious Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026. From March 20th to 22nd, 427 athletes from 54 nations will compete for crucial world ranking points. Simultaneously, the European Cup Seniors will take place in Riga, Latvia, showcasing a broader range of talent.

Sicilian Judo Stars Lead Italian Charge in Tbilisi

The Italian team boasts seven athletes competing in Tbilisi, including two standouts from Sicily. These athletes will be aiming for top results on the international stage.

The Italian competitors are:

• Vincenzo Pelligra (-81 kg): Representing Fiamme Azzurre, Pelligra aims to build on his progress in a highly competitive weight class.
• Sofia Mazzola (-48 kg): The Palermo native, competing for Carabinieri, seeks a strong performance in the lightweight division.
• Giulia Ghiglione (Army)
• Asya Tavano (Fiamme Azzurre)
• Erica Simonetti (Army)
• Matteo Piras (Army)
• Leonardo Valeriani (Fiamme Gialle)

Tbilisi Grand Slam 2026: Competition Schedule (Live on Judo.tv)

Here’s a breakdown of the competition schedule:

• Friday, March 20th: Women’s -48 kg, -52 kg, -57 kg; Men’s -60 kg, -66 kg.
• Saturday, March 21st: Women’s -63 kg, -70 kg; Men’s -73 kg, -81 kg.
• Sunday, March 22nd: Women’s -78 kg, +78 kg; Men’s -90 kg, -100 kg, +100 kg.

Riga European Cup: Sicilian Talent on Display

The European Cup in Riga similarly features Italian athletes, including promising talent from Sicily.

• Aurora Platania (-48 kg): Hailing from Dynamic Center Gravina (Catania), Platania is a rising star in the regional judo scene.
• Danilo Article (-90 kg): Representing Akiyama Settimo (Messina), Article will compete in the middleweight category.

Other Italian competitors in Riga include Sara Cesselli, Elena Guarducci, Giulia Caggiano, Pietro Andreini, and other athletes from leading national clubs.

European Cup Riga Race Program

• Saturday, March 21st: Women’s -63, -70, -78, +78 kg; Men’s -60, -66, -73 kg.
• Sunday, March 22nd: Women’s -48, -52, -57 kg; Men’s -81, -90, -100, +100 kg.

Watch Live on Judo.tv

All the action from both the Tbilisi Grand Slam and the Riga European Cup will be streamed live on judo.tv.