A judo Festivity: Two Champions Inspire Young Athletes
the Espace Omnisports hosted a remarkable judo event on November 29th, marking the 59th installment of the “One City, One Sport, One Champion” initiative. This year, however, the program took an exciting turn, welcoming not one, but two esteemed judo champions to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Over 350 children from Jean-Jaurès, Joliot-Curie, and Louis-Pergaud schools participated in the mass training session.They had the astonishing opportunity to learn from and interact with Margaux Pinot,the reigning world champion in the under 70 kg category and a member of the victorious 2020 Olympic team.Joining her was Luka Mkheidze, a decorated judoka who secured a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and followed it up with a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Games, both in the under 60 kg division.
This unique gathering highlighted the strength and depth of Parisian judo talent. Both Pinot and Mkheidze are members of Paris Saint-Germain Judo, a club renowned for its excellence and consistently producing world-class athletes.
the event served as a powerful reminder of the positive impact that role models can have on young athletes. Witnessing the dedication and achievements of Pinot and Mkheidze undoubtedly ignited a spark of inspiration in the participating children, encouraging them to pursue their judo dreams with renewed enthusiasm.
PSG Judo: A New Home and a Vision for the Future
The renowned Parisian sports club, PSG, is expanding its reach beyond the football pitch. Since 2017, PSG Judo has been steadily growing, becoming the club’s fifth sports division. this ambitious endeavor is spearheaded in collaboration with the legendary Teddy Riner, a five-time Olympic gold medalist and eleven-time world champion, widely considered the greatest judoka of all time.
PSG Judo has found a new training ground in the Espace Omnisports dojo. however, the club’s aspirations extend far beyond simply providing a space for elite athletes. Their vision is to establish themselves as Plessis-Robinson’s premier judo club, welcoming practitioners of all ages and skill levels, not just schoolchildren.
This initiative aligns with the city’s goal of becoming a judo hub in the Île-de-France region. By making judo accessible to a wider audience, Plessis-Robinson aims to instill the sport’s core values: respect, discipline, and a commitment to physical and mental well-being.Judo’s emphasis on self-control and ethical conduct can also play a vital role in deterring delinquency and violence, fostering a safer and more inclusive community.The project will be rolled out in phases, with a grand opening event scheduled for early February. This celebratory occasion will feature prominent PSG athletes, further highlighting the club’s commitment to judo and its integration into the fabric of Plessis-robinson.
This expansion of PSG Judo is not just about sporting excellence; it’s about creating a legacy of inclusivity, discipline, and community spirit. By making judo accessible to all, Plessis-Robinson is paving the way for a healthier, more vibrant future.
A Judo Powerhouse Takes Root in Le Plessis-Robinson
Deputy Mayor for Sport and community Life, Antoine Chevrie, discusses the exciting partnership between Le Plessis-Robinson and PSG Judo.
Le Plessis-Robinson is buzzing with anticipation as the renowned PSG Judo club sets up shop in the city. This collaboration promises to significantly elevate the city’s sporting profile and inject new energy into the local judo scene.
LPR: How will the arrival of a prestigious club like PSG Judo impact Le Plessis-Robinson?
antoine Chevrie: This is a game-changer for our city’s sporting landscape. We’ve long aimed to revitalize judo in Le Plessis-Robinson, and PSG Judo’s presence aligns perfectly with our “One city, One sport, one Champion” initiative.
The young athletes in our community will be inspired by the presence of champions and the competitive spirit that PSG Judo embodies.imagine the thrill of training alongside national-level judokas and learning from world-class coaches!
LPR: What tangible benefits will PSG Judo bring to the local judo community?
AC: Beyond the prestige, PSG Judo will establish a daily presence in Le Plessis-Robinson. Their coaches and athletes will be actively involved, integrating seamlessly with our existing Robinsonnais Martial Arts program. As an example, our own champion, David Babise, will have the opportunity to train alongside PSG Judo athletes.
Furthermore,we can expect exciting events like masterclasses,continued judo programs in schools,and revitalized mass training sessions.
LPR: What is the city contributing to this partnership?
AC: Le Plessis-Robinson is providing PSG Judo with the use of our Espace Omnisports dojo,which has been fully refurbished and adorned in the club’s colors. The dojo’s facilities are perfectly suited to PSG Judo’s needs, and our location, just a short distance from Paris, is ideal for a club of their stature.
The Future of Judo in Paris: PSG judo Leads the Charge
This past november 29th, the Espace Omnisports in Plessis-Robinson hosted an incredible display of judo prowess and youthful enthusiasm. More than a simple training session,the event,part of the “One City,One Sport,One Champion” initiative,showcased the thriving judo scene in Paris and the remarkable vision of PSG Judo.
The presence of two Olympic medalists, Margaux Pinot and Luka Mkheidze, both members of PSG Judo, served as a powerful inspiration for the over 350 schoolchildren from local schools who participated. Witnessing the dedication and skill of these champions undoubtedly ignited a spark in these young athletes, demonstrating the potential that lies within them.
The success of this event underscores the strategic importance of PSG Judo’s expansion. As its inception in 2017, PSG Judo, led by judo legend Teddy Riner, has steadily grown into a force to be reckoned with, becoming the club’s fifth sports division. The recent move to the Espace Omnisports dojo signifies more than just a change of location; it represents a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
PSG judo’s ambition extends beyond developing elite athletes. Their vision is to become Plessis-Robinson’s premier judo club, welcoming practitioners of all ages and skill levels. This approach perfectly aligns with Plessis-Robinson’s goal of becoming a judo hub in the Ile-de-France region, making the sport accessible to a wider audience and fostering a sense of community around judo.
The impact of this initiative is multifaceted. By providing a welcoming space for judo enthusiasts of all levels, PSG Judo is not only nurturing future champions but also promoting physical activity, discipline, and teamwork – values that transcend the judo mat and benefit society as a whole. This event is a testament to the power of sport to inspire,unite,and drive positive change within a community.
Moving forward, it will be captivating to observe how PSG Judo continues to shape the future of judo in Paris. Their commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement sets a high standard for sports clubs and paves the way for Paris to become a true judo powerhouse.
