Villeneuve hosts FSGT judo May 23–25

Villeneuve-d’Aveyron will host the 2026 FSGT French Judo Championships from May 23 to May 25 at Gymnase Émile Couderc over the Pentecost weekend, according to the French multisport federation FSGT and local tourism listings. The event is being organized by the FSGT Judo activity commission, Comité Départemental FSGT 12 and Budokai Indépendant Aveyronnais, with support from FSGT Occitanie. Local coverage published on May 19 put the tournament among the town’s Pentecost-weekend events, while federation materials show a three-day schedule spread across youth, junior, kyu and veteran divisions. ### Which competition is coming to Villeneuve? The FSGT said the championship is its 2026 national judo event and will bring judokas from across France to Villeneuve-d’Aveyron on May 23, 24 and 25. The federation describes the meet as part of its broader model of sport that is “open to all,” combining competition with club participation and volunteer involvement. (fsgt.org) The venue listed by organizers is Gymnase Émile Couderc, at La Coustoune in Villeneuve-d’Aveyron. Tourism Aveyron’s event page uses the same dates, venue and local contact information. ### Who is organizing it on the ground? The 2026 edition is being staged jointly by the Commission Fédérale d’Activité Judo, Comité Départemental FSGT 12 and Budokai Indépendant Aveyronnais, the FSGT said. (fsgt.org) FSGT Occitanie is also listed as a supporting body. Jean-Pierre Masbou, identified by the federation as mayor of Villeneuve-d’Aveyron and president of Aveyron Sports, said the department is “a land of sport” and linked the event to judo values including respect and cohesion. (fsgt74.org) ### Which categories are on the program? The official dossier lists benjamins and benjamines, minimes, juniors, juniors/seniors kyus and veterans, along with a Coupe du jeune arbitre for cadets. (fsgt.org) The federation’s event page also says Saturday includes a para-judo and shared-practice session. Saturday, May 23 is set aside for benjamines, benjamins and later kyu categories in the official program, while the federation page says junior women and men also follow that day. (fsgt.org) Sunday, May 24 is assigned to minimes and then junior and senior kyus on the federation schedule, while the official dossier lists minime girls and boys in the morning and junior women and men from midday. Monday, May 25 is reserved for veteran women and men. ### When do weigh-ins start? The official competition file says weigh-ins begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday for benjamines and run through the afternoon for other groups. Sunday’s first weigh-in is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. for minime girls, and Monday’s veteran weigh-in is listed for 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. (fsgt.org) The federation page also says athletes may weigh in the evening before their competition, with 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. windows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for specified categories. Organizers said those arrangements could still change depending on how the competition unfolds. ### How do clubs and families get there? Villeneuve-d’Aveyron is described in the official dossier as lying between Villefranche-de-Rouergue and Figeac in Aveyron. (fsgt74.org) The file points visitors to road access via the D922, rail connections through Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Salles-Courbatiès and Rodez, and bus links including LiO line 205. (fsgt.org) Tourism Aveyron says accommodation options are available near the site and that food trucks and an event refreshment stand will operate during the weekend. It also says officials, referees and table staff will have a dedicated catering area. ### What happens next once the event opens? (fsgt74.org) Saturday, May 23 is the first competition day at Gymnase Émile Couderc, with the opening weigh-ins scheduled from 8:00 a.m., according to the official program. The event then continues through Sunday, May 24, before closing on Monday, May 25 with the veterans’ competition, while questions can be directed to FSGT Judo or Comité FSGT 12 using the contact details published by organizers. (tourisme-aveyron.com) (fsgt74.org)