CAIRO — The 2026 European Open Championships in Ljubljana saw Egyptian judo make history as 19-year-old Safa Suleiman stormed to a silver medal in the +78 kg category.
Safa became the first Egyptian female judoka ever to reach the podium at this elite event —a milestone moment for Egyptian athletics.
She demonstrated a rare blend of power and technique against a field stacked with top international competitors. Her performance in Slovenia’s capital not only secured a podium finish but also announced her arrival as one of international judo’s brightest emerging talents.
A heroic run
Safa’s journey through the championship was a masterclass in skill and composure. Facing a series of world-ranked opponents, she executed decisive throws and tactical groundwork to secure key victories, each match underscoring her growing dominance in the +78 kg division.
The final against Italy’s reigning champion proved a nail-biting showdown. Neither judoka managed a decisive score during regular time, pushing the contest into golden score overtime.
Ultimately, penalties determined the winner, leaving Safa with silver—but a performance that cemented her place in judo history.
National recognition
Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Gohar Nabil, praised both Safa and the Egyptian Judo Federation for their historic achievement.
“Safa’s success at just 19 underscores Egypt’s commitment to nurturing young talent and producing a new generation capable of competing at the highest levels,” Nabil stated.
He emphasised the strong support from the country’s leadership for athletes pursuing international glory.
Global competition
The 2026 Ljubljana Judo Open featured 470 athletes from 44 countries, creating a fiercely competitive environment.
Although classified as an open European tournament, the event also served as a key ranking opportunity and preparation stage for major championships worldwide.
Safa’s historic silver is more than a medal—it’s a statement: Egypt is here to compete, and a new generation of judokas has arrived.
