Lebanese Aqulina Chayeb wins gold medal at Tallinn European tournament

BEIRUT — Lebanese judoka Aqulina Chayeb won the gold medal on Sunday in the under-78 kg category at the European Judo Open in Tallinn, Estonia.

After winning her first two bouts by ippon, the 22-year-old defeated Croatia’s Betty Vuk in the final in golden score, after the five minutes of regulation time.

This is the second senior international title for Aqulina Chayeb, following her victory at the Amman Open in Jordan in August 2025. At the end of March, she also finished second at the Dubrovnik Open in Croatia.

Following her gold medal, the young judoka received a phone call of congratulations from President Joseph Aoun, who praised a performance that “embodies the idea of a Lebanon capable of creating, excelling … and never bending despite all the challenges and difficult circumstances it is going through.” He also told her: “I wish you every success on your path toward qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, hoping to see you among the world’s greatest champions, carrying the Lebanese flag at the largest international sporting event,” according to remarks reported by the state-run National News Agency (NNA).

Ranked 71st in the world in the under-78 kg category, the Lebanese athlete is one of the main contenders to represent Lebanon at the next Olympic Games in the United States. With 394 WRL points, she will need to replicate this level of performance to move closer to Olympic qualification quotas on the world circuit, where she is gradually establishing herself.