For the 2024 Paris Olympics, he will certainly be one of the medal hopes for Algeria. Dris Messaoud seems to have “judoistic” abilities that allow him to seek a podium at the next Olympics. And his signing with Paris Saint-Germain judo may be another decisive step in his rise to the international podiums after having shone on the regional and continental levels.
By Mohamed Touilleb
After winning gold at the Mediterranean Games in Oran, his hometown, last June, everything seems to be going fast for Dris Messaoud. Before that, he was crowned African ”senior” champion in -73 kg after dominating the category in cadets (2018) and juniors in 2019.
“I want to progress and win other titles for Algeria. It is obvious that the 2024 Olympic Games are the dream for any athlete. I will try to train more and improve in order to be ready for this meeting, why not, bring back an Olympic medal, ”he said in the wake of his coronation at JM-2022 in Oran.
He caught the eye of Bouras
The progression curve is constant. With optimal preparation and the right means, the 21-year-old judoka can clearly aim for the front of the international scene. And the Paris Olympiads of 2024 are clearly part of his objectives and constitute the next major step in his career plan.
The abilities, he certainly has them. Moreover, this did not escape Djamel Bouras, president of the judo section of Paris Saint-Germain. And he did not hesitate to offer the Oranais a license within the prestigious club where we find Teddy Riner, emblematic figure of world judo and ten times world champion in the +100kg.
To return to Dris Messaoud, we can note that Bouras detected certain qualities which prompted him to integrate him into PSG Judo. The boss of the judo section is none other than the Olympic champion of Atlanta in 1996 in addition to being European champion the same year and vice-world champion in 1997 with France. He therefore knows a lot about prospecting and finding talent.
Souakri’s helping hand
Furthermore, we can note that Bouras is of Algerian origin (Batna). This aspect has, one can imagine, given a boost to this collaboration. Also, it should be noted that the former judoka Salima Souakri, as former secretary of state in charge of elite sport at the MJS, played a leading role in the arrival of Dris Messaoud in France.
There, Dris Messaoud will certainly be able to take a step forward with high-level training. The potential and the margin of progress are there to imitate Amar Benikhlef, silver medalist at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 by seeking a podium at the Olympics. It’s all the harm we wish for this young man who seems motivated to write one of the most beautiful pages of Algerian sport in the years to come. not
