Gendarmerie and army united for an unprecedented French padel championship

On March 28 and 29, the club Padel 33 from Bruges, in the suburbs of Bordeaux , hosted a unique competition: the first ever French Championship de paddle at Federation of Defense Clubs.

A promise kept after the interleagues

Remember: the May 14, 2023, 4Padel Strasbourg had welcomed the very first interleague championships of the federation. On this occasion, the organizers had promised a France championship for 2025. Promise kept with this major event which brought together 24 teams from the gendarmerie and the army, coming from the whole of France.

A full format and two P250 tournaments

Tournament, classified P250, took place over two days. The first day, the teams faced each other in group stages, before disputing the final stages the next day. Two competitions were organized: one classic tournament and mixed tournament, both classified P250.

Martin / Garriga winners, the Aquitaine league in the spotlight

La pair composed of Martin Didier and Paul Garriga established itself in final, thus winning the national title. A great satisfaction for Gerard Gontard, president of the Aquitaine League, who expressed his pride:

“Organizing these very first French Championships in my hometown of Bordeaux is an immense honor.”

A gendarmerie driving the development of padel

Colonel Lionel Nicot, representing the National Gendarmerie, also welcomed the event:

"This day gives a good image of the institution."

A pioneer in the field, Colonel Nicot is at the origin of the first padel court installed in a police station, Battesti barracks in BordeauxHe says:

“The idea was born from a slightly crazy bet. One day, while waiting in line at a pizzeria, a padel player said to me: “If you install a court in your police station, I’ll take over as president of the club.” I replied: “Come on, you dare!”

Thanks to the support of the Mérignac town hall, Federation of Defense Clubs, and a good network, the project was launched a few months later. Since then, a second field was installed in a military barracks at Kremlin-Bicêtre, And a troisième is planned for Versailles Satory Armored Group.

Next stop: the North-East regionals in Valenciennes

Samir Najimi, team manager North-East, had made the trip to Bruges. He is already giving a meeting to all enthusiasts for the Northeast League Regional Championships, which will take place on April 3 to 4Padel of Valenciennes.

“After these regional elections, I will leave the metropolis for my new assignment on the Reunion IslandI hope to be able to continue my mission of developing padel there."

Maxime Laferriere