Tours Judo Delegation Shines at 2026 French Veterans Championships

The regional judo powerhouse of Indre-et-Loire left a significant mark on the 2026 French Veterans Judo Championships this past weekend. Competing in a grueling field of nearly 900 athletes, the delegation from Tours secured five medals, including one national title, cementing their status as a force in the veteran circuits.

The event took place on April 11 and 12 at the Grand Dôme in Villebon-sur-Yvette, a venue that played host to a massive gathering of experienced practitioners from across France. For the global reader, “veteran” categories in judo are age-based divisions that allow experienced athletes to continue competing at a high level long after their senior careers have concluded.

A Strong Showing for Indre-et-Loire

The delegation from Indre-et-Loire arrived in Villebon with 12 judokas, including seven male competitors. Facing a dense field of opposition, the group managed to navigate the brackets to bring home five medals. The highlight of the weekend was a gold medal performance, securing a national title for the region.

Among the standout performers was Christophe Manette of UJTM, who fought his way to a silver medal, finishing as the vice-champion of France in his respective category. Manette’s performance underscored the technical depth of the Tours-based training programs.

The scale of the tournament was immense. According to official records, nearly 900 combatants converged on the Grand Dôme, creating a high-energy atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the veterans’ championships in recent years. The sheer volume of participants speaks to the growing popularity of the sport among older demographics in France.

Breaking Down the Brackets

The competition was structured across multiple weight classes and age categories (ranging from M1 to M9 for men and various female divisions). The schedule was rigorous, beginning with weigh-ins on Friday, April 10, followed by a full weekend of combat.

While the tourangeaux delegation celebrated five medals, other clubs likewise found success. For instance, Valery N N Guyen Ba took first place in the M6 -73 kg category, demonstrating the high level of competition present at the official France Judo event.

For those unfamiliar with the format, the championships utilize a tiered system of weight classes—ranging from -60kg up to +100kg for men—to ensure fair competition. The matches are fast-paced and demand not only strength but a high degree of tactical maturity, which is why the veteran circuit is often praised for its technical purity.

Tournament Logistics and Atmosphere

The Grand Dôme in Villebon-sur-Yvette provided a professional backdrop for the event. The logistics were split over two primary days: Saturday saw the bulk of the female categories and the M5 through M9 male divisions, while Sunday focused on the M1 through M4 male categories.

The event’s ability to attract nearly 900 participants highlights the “incredible dynamism” the sport has experienced in the veteran sector. This growth suggests a shift in how athletic longevity is viewed within the French judo community, moving from casual practice to high-stakes national competition.

As the dust settles in Villebon, the judokas of Indre-et-Loire return home with hardware and momentum. The success of the five medalists serves as a benchmark for the region’s veteran programs heading into the next season.

Official results for the full event are available through the France Judo website.

With the national championships concluded, the focus now shifts to regional training and preparation for the upcoming season’s circuit. We will continue to monitor the progress of the Indre-et-Loire delegation as they look to build on this weekend’s success.

Do you think the growth of veteran sports is changing the way we view athletic longevity? Let us know in the comments below.