Zambia Judo Association (ZJA) president has expressed happiness over the rapid development of judo in the country Zambia Judo Association (ZJA) president has expressed happiness over the rapid development of judo in the country.
In an interview with the Lusaka star, Judo president Alfred Foloko said he was happy with the positive improvement of judo both at the local and international level.
“The current trend of the sport is impressive but we wish to improve further so that we can reap medals both locally and internationally” Foloko said.
He further said this year would be interesting and challenging for both the Judokas and the Zambia Judo Association, adding that there were many games to look forward to.
Meanwhile, Zambia Judo senior team coach, Mola Lipimile said Zambia Judo was eyeing qualification for the long awaited Nanjing Youth Olympic games scheduled for July this year in China.
“The management has put up a series of trials and local competitions to keep judokas fit so as to see them through the qualifying matches,” he said.
Lipimile added that apart from the Nanjing Youth Olympic games, Zambia Judo was looking forward to the Africa judo championship in Botswana and the senior judo championship in Chad which were slated for March and June respectively.
“We intend to work hard in all the competitions and we have promised to dedicate equal attention to all the tournaments” he said.
Lipimile disclosed that their main challenge at the moment was time management looking at the fact that most Judokas were in school.
“We are faced with the challenge of dividing time between education and training and at the end of the day coming up with a good team,” said Lipimile.
Meanwhile, The Judo senior team coach said the preparations for the Botswana challenge were going on well.
“We are preparing well for the tournament considering it is the opening international competition and it will determine how we will perform in other international competitions” he said.
Team for Botswana comprises the following: Mary Kanyemba, Abigail Chindele, Joshua Nyondo and David Chisenga.