The 22nd Japan Ambassador’s Judo Championships came off at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday with a massive turnout by practitioners across the country.
The event formed part of activities to mark the Japan Week celebrations which bounced back after three-year hiatus, following the COVID-19 outbreak.
At the end of the exciting display, the Ambassador Mochizuki Hisanobu commended practitioners, especially young Judokas for their efforts in the development of the sport in Ghana.
Mr Mochizuki said he was excited the sport was becoming very popular in the country and efforts were being made towards its promotion.
“It is excited to see young Judokas display some great skills which means there is a huge future for the sport on Ghana,” he stated.
He congratulated the winners for their efforts and urged them to continue training for subsequent championships.
On his part, the Director General (Technical) of the National Sports Authority (NSA) Mr Kwame Amponfi Jnr, said he was delighted to witness Judokas compete for glory.
“It is important to promote sporting disciplines like this to give young athletes options as far as sports in Ghana is concerned,” he stated.
The NSA, he said, was committed to supporting and providing the platform for all sporting disciplines in Ghana to excel.
President of Ghana Judo, Mr Emmanuel Tetteh, expressed appreciation to the Embassy of Japan for their continuous support to the Judo Association.
The championship which featured Judokas in the juniors and seniors categories, produced some interesting results.
The boys’ under-18 category saw young enterprising Isaac Williams taking the first position with Emmanuel Sarpong and Abdul Rahman Nii Ofei Dodoo and Kwabena Twum Boafo placing second and third respectively.
The female division also saw established Esther Anane emerging as the winner with Nhyira Twum Baah and Felicia Koranteng placing second and third in that order.
The elite division in the 60kg men had Daniel Quansah as the winner with Jones Ofori Mintah placing second. Selorm Kwaku Amega put up an impressive outing to place third.
BY MICHAEL D.ABAYATEYE
