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IJF president: China has chance to win women's judo gold at Rio Olympics

Xinhua, November 21, 2015 Adjust font size:

International Judo Federation President Marius L. Vizer said here Saturday that he believes China has a chance to win a gold medal in women's judo at the 2016 Olympic Games, but the men's team still has to wait. 

   "The lady's judo is much stronger than the men's in China," said Vizer during the IJF Qingdao Grand Prix. "I want to congraduate to the ladies for their good results. But it is a pity that China has two great athletes in the over 78kg category, but only one of them can take part in the Olympic Games."

   What Vizer talked about are Chinese judokas Yu Song and Ma Sisi. Yu won the World Championships in France this September, and is the current world No. 1 in the over 78kg category, while Ma, who finished fifth at the worlds, ranked second. According to the rules, although both of them qualify, only one can participate in the Rio Games.

   "I consider that in that catecory China has a chance to win a gold medal. I am making this remarks not only as the IJF president, but also as a judo coach," he added. "Also in some other categories, I hope the ladies will achieve good results in the Olympic qualifications."

   Vizer said the Chinese men's judokas made progress but they may need to wait until the 2020 Olympic Games to make good results.

   "In the men's team, a new generation made progress with the help of a Korean coach," he said. "Maybe there is not enough time for them to make good results in the qualifications for this Olympic Games, because they are young and started a little late, but I am convinced for the next Olympic Games, China will have a very strong men's generation."

   "Because I am following them, as well as other nations, and their level has increased from one competition to another," Vizer added. 

   China claimed one gold and two bronze at the ongoing Qingdao Grand Prix. Yang Junxia won the women's -63kg category here on Saturday, and Yu and Ma will take part in the over 78kg category on Sunday.

   The Qingdao Grand Prix serves as one of the Olympic qualifications and runs from Nov. 20 to 22.  Endi