#120: Gold For Itl Athlete At French National Championships
The Championnat de France Espoirs & Critérium National Masters 2026 marked an important weekend for Taekwondo Club Villeneuvois – Lovent (France), with athletes competing across both the Espoirs (U21) and Masters divisions. The event took place in Schiltigheim, France on the 10th & 11th January, 2026.
Representing Lovent in the Masters 2 (-80 kg) category, Gianluca Barbara, who also serves as an ITL coach, claimed the French national title, securing gold after three consecutive victories.
The campaign was completed decisively, with all three matches won across two rounds.
Alongside the Masters competition, Lovent also fielded a strong contingent of under-21 athletes who competed on Saturday.
In the Espoirs division, Sofiane (-63 kg) and Georgia (-57 kg) delivered solid performances to each earn bronze medals, contributing valuable podium finishes for the club.
The Masters segment also saw further success for Lovent, with club head coach Lounes, together with Kamel and Soria all securing bronze medals in their respective categories, reinforcing the club’s depth and competitiveness at national level. Lounes’ semi-final fight with the eventual group winner - Mamadou Bassoum was the showstopping performance of the day; a fight viewed by every spectator and member of staff on site.
Several additional athletes represented the club and gained important competition experience, including Marine, Kristen, Nicolas, Calvo, Badys, and Milo, all of whom treaded their campaigns with commitment and valuable exposure to high-level national competition.
Coaching throughout the championships was led primarily by Simon Marquina and Lounes Beroual, who supported the majority of the athletes across both divisions.
Gianluca’s match-winning moment (final) - blue.
It was ASSM Taekwondo’s Julien Jover, however, who coached Gianluca Barbara through all three bouts, guiding him to the national title.
With the French Championships concluded, Lovent’s attention now turns to the French University Championships next Saturday, followed by the French Senior Championships at the end of February. ITL wishes the entire team continued success as the competitive season progresses.
In turn, ITL now prepares for its next international venture. This time, in Greece, where Gianluca is to co-lead a training camp together with renowned Greek coaches Toula and Vaso Christidou.
All fights can be viewed by clicking here and seeking out the following:
504: quarter-final
510: semi-final
514: final
A special thanks goes to Lovent President Amar Dif, Head-coach Lounes, ASSM coach Julien Joven… and to all the team-mates on the day working hand-in-hand to secure such the fantastic result!
