Minister hails Japan’s contribution to judo
Minister of Youth and Sports Richard Chimwendo Banda has hailed Japan’s contribution to the development of judo in the country.
The minister said this during the Japanese Ambassador’s seventhth Judo Championship at African Bible College Blue Gym in Lilongwe on Saturday.
Over 100 judokas from all regions, including refugees from Dzaleka Refuge Camp, took part.
He said: “It was the first time for me to watch such competitions and I am impressed with the talent. As government, we are so grateful to the Japanese government for investing in the development of the sport.
“We have Africa Union Sports Council Region Five Games next month and this competition has helped the Judo association to identify athletes to represent Malawi.”
Chimwendo Banda also pledged government’s support towards the sport.
athletes during the event
“This sport is loved by many young people and, as government, we will make sure that we support judo. We have a good relationship with the Judo Association of Malawi and I am sure with good support, we can win medals,” he said.
Japanese Ambassador Satoshi Lwakiri said the tournament did not take place last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said: “We want judo to develop in the country. Next year we will have another tournament. Judo is originally a Japanese sport and now it is popular all over the world.
“We will continue to help all countries towards preparations for Paris 2024 Games through Sports for Tommorow Programme.”
He promised that the Japanese government will soon be sending volunteer judo trainers in the country.
The Japanese government financed all logistics for the tournament.
Judo Association of Malawi general secretary Osbourne Banda thanked the Japanese government for organising the tournament.
“This tournament has been taking place for seven years. Through this tournament, we are able to nurture and identify talent as well as rank our top judokas,” he said.
Banda also described the tournament as timely, saying it has helped them to prepare for Region 5 Games.
