If Corsica and Hauts-de-France, with two participations each, have tried to carry their territory's colors high, what can we say about Normandie Judo, always present to try to highlight the best elements of its region? A loyalty to the Judo Pro League that league president Jean Mesnildrey hopes will endure as his team finds itself at a crossroads. "Even though we've been here from the start, we're continuing to structure ourselves so that the team can continue as a JPL while becoming independent of the Normandy league, which supports the project. We have decided to create an eponymous club, which should enable us to evolve from next season. Let's face it, we're struggling to find local athletes who are competitive in all categories and available during the week. The project to support our best Normans, and even others who have all forged links with the region's structures in their careers, remains our primary aim and that of the region, which helps us financially. Even if we don't reach the quarter-finals this year, as was the case for the second edition. 

 

 

However, after two defeats at the hands of Essonniens de Sainte-Geneviève Sports and FLAM 91, despite near-subscription gyms in Montivilliers and Val-de-Reuil, Olivier Mélicine's protégés will not be looking for atonement when they travel to Montreuil on Thursday and Bordeaux in January. "We're going to try to maintain our position for next season, and we know it's going to come down to the wire. Every victorious bout will bring us closer to that goal, and I know I can count on our athletes to give their all every time they step up to the tatami." Faced with two teams with two wins and six points on the board, a successful outcome for Normandie Judo would be all the more valuable.