Parisian Judo Giants Advance in European Club Cup
Despite a last-minute entry and the absence of their star judoka, Teddy Riner, PSG Judo made a strong showing in the European Club cup, securing a spot in the final. The tournament,held in Montpellier and featuring mixed teams for the first time,saw the Parisian club overcome Asnières and Judo Ukraine with convincing victories.
Riner, fresh off his double gold medal triumph at the Paris Olympics, surprised fans with his unexpected appearance. His contract extension, wich reportedly secures his participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, was finalized just days before the competition. Tho, due to team size limitations, Riner remained on the sidelines for the quarter-final match against Asnières.
PSG Judo, led by coach Sebastien Mansart, showcased their depth and talent, winning 4-1 against Asnières. Margaux Pinot, the silver medalist in the -90 kg category at the 2024 Olympics, secured a victory against Juliette Diollot. Sanshiro Murao, a recent addition to the PSG Judo roster, defeated Pinot’s Olympic rival, showcasing his prowess on the mat.
Romane Dicko, a bronze medalist in the +78 kg category and a gold medalist in the mixed team event at the 2024 Olympics, made a triumphant return to competition, securing a swift ippon victory.
The semi-final saw PSG judo dominate Judo Ukraine with a resounding 4-0 victory.alisher Yusupov, a bronze medalist in the +100 kg category at the 2024 Olympics, continued his notable form, immobilizing his opponent in just over a minute.
In the final, PSG Judo will face the Serbian Red Star of Belgrade, who secured a hard-fought victory against Nice in the semi-final. The final promises to be a thrilling encounter, with the possibility of Riner finally taking to the mat in front of the eager montpellier crowd.
PSG Judo’s Triumph: A Chat with Olympic Champion Clarisse Agbegnenou
The Parisian Judo club, PSG Judo, is making waves after securing a place in the final of the European Club Cup. Joining me today is none other than Clarisse Agbegnenou, two-time olympic judo champion and bona fide legend of the sport, to delve into this exciting advancement. Welcome,Clarisse!
clarisse: Thanks for having me! It’s fantastic to see French judo clubs doing so well on the European stage.
It certainly is! PSG Judo achieved this phenomenal feat despite the late entry and the absence of their star judoka, Teddy Riner, from the initial matches. What are your thoughts on this notable display of strength and depth within the team?
Clarisse: It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team, from the athletes to the coaches. even without Teddy, they showed incredible resilience and tactical prowess. I was especially impressed by the performances of Margaux Pinot against Juliette Diollot and sanshiro Murao against Pinot’s Olympic rival. Those were hard-fought victories that demonstrated the team’s grit and skill.
Absolutely! and speaking of Teddy Riner, he made a surprise appearance at the tournament. His contract extension, ensuring his participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, was finalized just days before the competition. How notable is this extension for French Judo and the global judo community?
Clarisse: Teddy’s presence is monumental for judo. He’s an icon of the sport, and his commitment to another Olympic cycle is incredibly inspiring, not just for young judoka in France but worldwide. It shows the dedication and passion that makes him such a champion.
the team now faces the Serbian Red Star of Belgrade in the final. This promises to be a thrilling matchup. What do you think are the key factors that will determine the winner?
Clarisse: Red Star is a formidable opponent, known for their aggressive style and strong physicality. PSG judo needs to utilize their excellent technical skills and tactical awareness. If they can dictate the pace of the match and capitalize on Red Star’s weaknesses, they have a great chance of lifting the trophy.
I hear there’s a possibility that Teddy might finally take to the mat for the final. What impact do you think his participation would have on the team and the match itself?
Clarisse: Teddy’s presence would be a huge boost for the entire team. His experience, leadership, and aura of invincibility can really galvanize the squad. And from a technical standpoint,he’s simply one of the best in the world. Of course, the decision ultimately lies with the coach, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him on the mat for this crucial match.
that would certainly make for a captivating finale! Clarisse, thanks so much for sharing your insights with us. This is shaping up to be a truly memorable European Club Cup.
The stage is set for a historic showdown. Who do you think will emerge victorious? Share your predictions in the comments below!
