British VI Squad Set for IBSA World Cup Tbilisi
March 23, 2026
The British Visually Impaired Judo team head to Georgia this week (24–25 March) to compete at the IBSA World Cup in Tbilisi, one of the final major tests before Paralympic qualification begins in July at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Evan Molloy (Devizes JC) gets the campaign underway in the J2 -81kg category. Competing in one of the deepest and most competitive divisions on the circuit, Molloy will need to be at his very best. Encouragingly, he arrives in strong form following an excellent block of training.
In the J1 -95kg category, Dan Powell (Phoenix JC) enters as one of the favourites. The reigning World and European Champion faces a changing landscape in his division, with recent classification updates and new athletes adding further depth to the field. Powell’s experience and proven quality will be crucial as he looks to assert himself once again on the international stage.
Evie Gormley (Stewart JA) continues her upward trajectory in the J1 -60kg category. She faces a tough opening contest against the number one seed but has shown significant progress in recent competitions. This event presents a valuable opportunity for Gormley to demonstrate that she belongs among the very best.
Kirsten Taylor (Tayside JC) competes in the J2 +70kg category and will be aiming to build on a highly successful 2025 season. A strong performance in Tbilisi would provide an early statement of intent ahead of the upcoming qualification period.
Head Paralympic Coach Ian Johns said: “The team are ready and are always so appreciative of the support they receive from the British Judo community. If they perform to their best, they will come away with medals.
This event is also a great opportunity to prepare for the World Championships in September, which will take place in the same arena in Tbilisi.”
Good luck to the team!
