Legacy and Competition: 9th Challenge Kamel-Guedih Gathers Youth Judo Talent in Milhaud

The SMASH (salle milhaudoise d’activités sportives et handisports) once again became the epicenter of regional martial arts on Saturday, April 4, as it hosted the 9th Challenge Kamel-Guedih. The event, a cornerstone of the local sporting calendar, continues to blend high-level youth competition with a poignant tribute to the man who started it all.

Organized by the local judo club, the tournament is more than a series of matches; it is a day of remembrance for Kamel Guedih, the club’s founder and a respected professor who passed away prematurely. For the athletes and the community in Milhaud, the challenge represents the intersection of sporting ambition and enduring gratitude.

A Tradition of Scale and Spirit

While early reports indicate approximately 500 judokas participated in this year’s ninth edition, the event has a history of drawing massive crowds and diverse talent from across the region. To understand the magnitude of the Challenge Kamel-Guedih, one only needs to look at the preceding years.

The 7th edition in 2024 saw 24 clubs and more than 700 judokas ranging from ages 2 to 14 compete on the tatamis. By the 8th edition in 2025, the event continued its strong draw, hosting over 680 judokas between the ages of 3 and 15, with a staggering crowd of more than 2,000 spectators filling the SMASH to cheer on the young athletes.

This consistency in attendance highlights the event’s role as one of the major sporting highlights for the city. For many of these young practitioners, the tournament offers a first glimpse of competitive pressure and the pride of earning their first medal.

The Engine Behind the Event

Executing a tournament of this size requires significant logistical coordination. Christine Goujon, the president of the club, has frequently emphasized the collective effort required to transform the SMASH into a competitive arena. The success of these events relies heavily on a network of volunteers and institutional support.

In previous iterations, the club has credited the Milhaud town hall for its assistance, as well as partnerships with other local organizations, including La Pastorale and the Rugby club milhaudois, whose support has been vital in managing the flow of athletes and spectators.

Dominance on the Tatami

While the spirit of the day focuses on friendship and homage, the competitive edge remains sharp. In recent years, the club of Quissac Lunel-Viel has emerged as the dominant force in the tournament. The club secured the top prize at the 7th challenge and successfully defended its title at the 8th edition, marking two consecutive years of victory.

Beyond the team trophies, the event often serves as a milestone for individual growth. In past years, the Guedih family has remained closely tied to the competition—notably with Naël Guedih securing a gold medal in the benjamins category during the 7th edition, and Ilyan Guedih completing his mandatory arbitration module, a critical step toward earning a black belt.

For those unfamiliar with the progression of the sport, the arbitration module is a technical requirement that ensures a judoka understands the rules of the game from the perspective of the official, blending physical skill with mental discipline.

As the 9th Challenge Kamel-Guedih concludes, the event reaffirms its position as a vital pipeline for youth judo in the Gard region. By honoring the memory of its founder through the discipline and respect inherent in the sport, the club ensures that Kamel Guedih’s influence continues to shape the next generation of martial artists.

The club is expected to release official final standings and medal counts in the coming days. Stay tuned for further updates on regional judo rankings and upcoming tournaments.

Do you have a favorite memory of the Challenge Kamel-Guedih or a tip for young judokas entering their first tournament? Share your thoughts in the comments below.