The Judo Pro League is off to a flying start this #3 season, with a number of exciting fixtures. The first matches, scheduled for this Tuesday, October 8, already promise an intense spectacle, combining rivalries and new ambitions.

Judo Nice Métropole vs OM Judo

Judo Nice Métropolelast season's victorious team will have to prove once again that it is the benchmark to beat. This year, they can count on the presence of Melika Auchecornereigning French senior champion and now two-time world junior champion. In addition to Auchecorne, Judo Nice Métropole will be able to count on top-level international judokas such as Luka Maisuradze2023 world champion, and Giorgi Chikhelidzewho recently took second place at the Grand Slam de Paris. As for theOM Judo, you will find Alexandre Mariacdouble French senior champion, and Jolan Florimontthe reigning French vice-champion.

Auxerre Judo vs AM Asnières Judo 92

Auxerre Judo will be able to count on a major reinforcement throughout this Judo Pro League with the presence of Toma Nikiforovdouble European champion in 2018 and 2021. AM Asnières Judo 92 will benefit from the support of their latest double Olympic medallist in Paris: Maxime-Gael Ngayap Hambou.

SGS Judo vs Normandie Judo

SGS Judo, the unfortunate losers of last year's final against Judo Nice Métropole, are back this year with even greater ambitions. The team will once again be able to count on Léa FontaineEuropean runner-up in 2021, a formidable force in the women's categories. At her side, Catarina Costa6th in the world in the -48 kg class and two-time European vice-champion. On this first day, the team will face Normandie Judo, whose squad includes Helios Latchoumanayaa Paralympic vice-champion in Paris, and Gabin Superviellereigning French champion.

Flam 91 vs Dojo Béglais

Flam 91winner of the first season of the Judo Pro League in alliance with JC Chilly Mazarin Morangis under the name of Paris Saclay, returns this year with his own team. The squad includes Shirine Bouklirecent double Olympic medallist at the Paris Games, runner-up in the World Championship and three-time European champion, as well as Astride Gnetowho won multiple medals in the Grands Slams. The Dojo Béglais, meanwhile, has not said its last word and can count on  Léa Beres, who distinguished herself last year by taking 3rd place at both the World Junior Championships and the French Senior Championships.

Wednesday meetings: an exciting second day

US Orléans vs Dojo Nantais

US Orléans is shaping up to be a team to keep a close eye on. The club has strengthened its squad with a number of choice arrivals who are sure to play a crucial role in their matches this season. These include Martha Fawaz and Arnaud Aregba, two judokas who recently shone with a bronze medal at the Zagreb Grand Prix.

Judo des Hauts de France vs. Juniville Marnaval Grand Est

Visit Judo des Hauts de France will take on the brand-new team, Juniville Marnaval Grand Estwho will be making his league debut and can count on a strengthened Cuban squad Silva Morales world runner-up in 2018 and Grandaworld champion in 2022. Judo des Hauts de France will have Luka Lomidze5th in the last French championships and a highly motivated team.

Montpellier Judo Olympic vs JC Chilly Mazarin Morangis

Montpellier Judo Olympic, which will be opposed to JC Chilly Mazarin Morangisis a team made up of some very promising youngsters. Their ambition is to build on solid foundations such as Hugo Metifiot, reigning French champion and recent winner of the label excellence tournament in Noisy-le-Grand. JC Chilly Mazarin Morangis, which is also making a comeback this year after being allied with Flam 91 in the first season, and which is also made up of young talent, will aim to rely on experienced fighters such as Richard Vergnes and Stessie Bastareaud. Both are multiple medallists at the French 1D championships.