Spanish Judokas Shine at European Cup in Móstoles
Spain’s junior judo program is making waves on the continental stage, as evidenced by the recent performances at the European Cup in Móstoles. Batyrkhan Assanaliyev (-66 kg) claimed the gold medal, while Dmytro Halich (-90 kg) secured a bronze, highlighting the growing strength of the Valencian Community’s judokas.
Rising Stars Dominate in Madrid
The European Cup, held in Móstoles on February 28th and March 1st, attracted a strong field of under-21 competitors from across Europe. The event, organized by the Royal Spanish Federation of Judo and Associated Sports, served as a crucial stepping stone for these young athletes.
Assanaliyev’s Impeccable Run to Gold
Batyrkhan Assanaliyev’s victory in the -66 kg category was a testament to his consistent progress. Having already secured the Spanish Junior Championship title earlier this year, Assanaliyev entered the Móstoles competition as a clear favorite. He lived up to the hype, delivering a flawless performance.
“Assanaliyev’s run was impeccable. Six fights, six victories and a final resolved before the limit to confirm their dominance in their category.”
nostresport.com
Assanaliyev’s path to gold included victories over Portugal’s Duarte Monginho, Georgia’s Giorgi Dularidze, France’s Noe Briet, Spain’s Martín Lobo (in just 44 seconds), and Kazakhstan’s Kaiyrkhan Abdirakhman. He ultimately defeated fellow Kazakh Rolan Kairgali in the final, concluding the match in under three minutes.
Halich Secures Bronze in Competitive -90 kg Division
Dmytro Halich demonstrated resilience and skill in the -90 kg division, earning a well-deserved bronze medal. He had previously established himself in his category at the Spanish Junior Championship.
Halich’s journey began with a hard-fought victory against the Czech Republic’s Vit Sarboch, a match that went the distance. He then defeated France’s Avel Coutin by ippon, followed by a close win against compatriot Akaki Techelishvili. Despite a loss to Georgia’s Luka Tevdoradze, who ultimately finished as the tournament runner-up, Halich bounced back strongly.
“Far from staying there, the Spaniard showed maturity in the play-offs. Against the Portuguese Victor Antunes he played a fight of maximum equality that exceeded regulation time.”
nostresport.com
In the bronze medal playoff, Halich overcame Portugal’s Victor Antunes in a tense match that extended beyond regulation time, securing his place on the podium alongside Israel’s Fridman.
A Bright Future for Spanish Judo
The European Cup in Móstoles serves as a vital platform for identifying and nurturing future stars in the sport. Both Assanaliyev and Halich have demonstrated the potential to compete at the highest levels.
Assanaliyev’s national and continental gold medals in 2026 solidify his position as a leading contender in the -66 kg junior category. Halich’s consistent progress and European medal confirm his status as a rising force in the -90 kg division.
Did You Know?
The European Cup in Móstoles is a key event on the European Judo Union calendar, attracting elite under-21 athletes from across the continent.
FAQ
- Who won gold in the -66 kg category at the European Cup in Móstoles? Batyrkhan Assanaliyev of Spain.
- Who won bronze in the -90 kg category? Dmytro Halich of Spain.
- When and where was the European Cup held? February 28th and March 1st in Móstoles, Spain.
The success of Assanaliyev and Halich at the European Cup in Móstoles signals a promising future for Spanish judo. Their dedication and skill are inspiring, and they are poised to make a significant impact on the international stage.