Aube Judo Committee Seeks to Boost Female Participation with Former Champion Agathe Devitry

The judo committee in France’s Aube department is actively working to attract more young girls to the sport, leveraging the experience of former national champion Agathe Devitry to inspire the next generation. On Tuesday evening, April 22, 2026, Devitry led an exclusive training session for females at the dojo in Troyes, responding to the committee’s invitation to promote judo among women and girls in the region.

According to local reports from L’Est Éclair and Liberation Champagne, Devitry—a double French national champion in judo who has retired from competitive tatami—participated in the initiative aimed at increasing female engagement in judo within the Aube area. The session was specifically designed for female participants, reflecting a targeted effort to address gender imbalance in the sport at the grassroots level.

Devitry’s competitive background includes multiple national titles and international experience, as documented in her athletic profile on All Judo. Her career highlights feature victories in the French Championships across various weight categories, including -44kg, -48kg, -52kg, -57kg, -63kg, and -70kg divisions, along with team successes in national and European competitions. Since retiring from active competition, she has transitioned into a role focused on community engagement and youth development within the sport.

The Aube judo committee’s strategy centers on using visible role models like Devitry to demonstrate the accessibility and benefits of judo for young women. By hosting female-only training events, the committee aims to create a welcoming environment that encourages sustained participation beyond introductory sessions. This approach aligns with broader national efforts by the French Judo Federation to increase diversity and inclusion in martial arts disciplines.

Local officials emphasize that the initiative is part of a longer-term plan to strengthen women’s judo programs throughout the department. Future sessions are expected to build on the momentum generated by events like the one led by Devitry, with the committee exploring additional partnerships to expand reach and resources for aspiring female judokas in Troyes and surrounding communities.

As of the latest available information, no specific numerical targets or timelines have been publicly disclosed by the committee regarding the expected increase in female participation. The focus remains on creating accessible entry points and fostering a supportive culture within local dojos to encourage long-term involvement in the sport.

For young women interested in judo opportunities in the Aube region, the committee recommends contacting local clubs directly or visiting departmental sports offices for updated information on training schedules and beginner programs. Continued efforts to promote inclusivity are expected to remain a priority for the Aube judo committee throughout 2026 and beyond.