ABU DHABI // Some of the world’s best young talent are in Abu Dhabi this weekend to compete at the International Judo Federation (IJF) Junior World Championship.
More than 800 young judokas age 20 and under from over 85 countries will be in action on Friday and Saturday at Zayed Sports City’s Ipic Arena.
“Many of the young judokas will be competing at an IJF event for the first time in Abu Dhabi and see this event as a stepping stone towards senior success,” said Marius Vizer, the IJF president.
“We are all here to support these young judokas and give them encouragement and a positive environment to show their skills which have enabled them to compete on the world stage in this age group.”
The UAE have six entries in the juniors boys: Khalifa Al Hosani and Rashad Al Mashjari (both 66kg), Obaid Al Naqbi and Salem Al Suwaidi (60kg), Mohammed Al Ameri and Abdelrahman Al Naqbi (55kg).
Representing the country in the girls division are Hajra Mohammed and Maitha Mohammed (both 52kg).
Following the junior tournament, from Sunday to Tuesday, is the senior men, women and team events, followed by the Ipic Judo Grand Slam, from October 30 to November 1, which has drawn more than 600 judokas from 82 countries vying for a place at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
The UAE are expecting medals from the Moldovan-born trio of Victor Scvortov, Sergiu Toma and Ivan Remarenco in the men’s event.
According to Nasser Al Tamimi, general secretary of the UAE Wrestling, Judo and Kick Boxing Federation, all three will be heading to next year’s Olympic Games in Rio.
“Victor is strong and rated 14 in the world rankings; Toma has won a gold medal in the recent event in Tashkent and Ivan is a bronze medallist in the last championship,” Al Tamimi said. “Our junior team is young and this competition will help them get more experience.
“We also have girls participating and for them also it will be a good experience against judokas of countries having a very high level.”
With the Abu Dhabi event being the final championship for the year ahead of the Olympics, it has attracted some of the world’s best, with ranking points earned going toward the Olympic qualification process.
apassela@thenational.ae
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