Africa-Press – Seychelles. After a two-year absence due to restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Curtain-raiser tournament which launches the new judo season was finally back at the Roche Caïman dojo on Saturday, gathering 71 athletes competing for six clubs from Mahé and Praslin.
Saturday’s competition which assembled athletes from the Alpha, Baie Ste Anne, Grand Anse Praslin, Elite, Etoile and Persévérance judo clubs, was also a pre-selection platform for judokas to represent the country at the forthcoming 11th Indian Ocean Islands Games 2023 scheduled to take place in Madagascar from August 23 to September 3.
Other than the seasoned athletes in the likes of Pralinois Dominic Dugasse and Jean-Michel Vidot who have accumulated loads of international exposure, including Olympics and Commonwealth Games, the tournament exposed several young budding talents who definitely have the potential to take Seychelles’ judo further.
On Saturday, there were the minime, cadet categories, while the junior and senior athletes competed alongside each other.
Speaking to Sports NATION, chairperson of the Seychelles Judo Federation (SJF) Sandra Jeanne noted that despite a two-year break, the competition was of very good level, including athletes’ performances, as well as those of the officials, volunteers, along with all those who helped and brought their support, in one way or another.
This, she said, proves that even if we were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and there were health restrictions, judo lovers maintained their spirit and level of performances in any way affiliated to the sport.
She explained that nothing is perfect and there are still a lot of areas to work on if local judo is to reach the highest standard possible, and this she added, includes officiating, among other areas, since a federation, or country as a whole can be recognised worldwide, not only for its high performing athletes, but also with competent and efficient officials.
The following are the complete results of the 2023 Curtain-raiser tournament
Cadet (male -50kg)
Cadet (male -55kg)
Cadet (male -60kg)
Cadet (male -66kg)
Cadet (male -73kg)
Cadet (male -81kg)
Cadet (male -90kg)
Cadet (male +90kg)
Cadet (female -48kg)
Cadet (female -57kg)
Cadet (female -63kg)
Cadet (female -70kg)
Cadet (female +73kg)
Minimes (female -44kg)
Minimes (female +63kg)
Minimes (male 42kg)
Minimes (male -46kg)
Minimes (male -50kg)
Minimes (male -55kg)
Minimes (male +73kg)
Junior/Senior (female -48kg)
Junior/Senior (female -70kg)
Junior/Senior (female -78kg)
Junior/ Senior (female +78kg)
Junior/ Senior (male -60kg)
Junior/ Senior (male -66kg)
Junior/ Senior (male -73kg)
Junior/ Senior (male -81kg)
Junior/ Senior (male -90kg)
Junior/ Senior (male -100kg)
Junior/ Senior (male +100kg)
For More News And Analysis About Seychelles Follow Africa-Press
