09 Sep 2013

A convincing number of judo clubs from primary and secondary schools within Gaborone and surrounding areas on Saturday converged at the Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB) for a one-day development tournament.

The tournament, which paired learners of same age, was hailed a success particularly that both the young and promising sportspersons showed maturity and continuous growth in the way they displayed their skills, particularly wrestling the opponent and pinning them down. 

Though some athletes looked younger, their encounter was a marvel to watch when they floored their much beefy age mates who looked incredibly menacing and occupied centre stage at the contest, which is held quarterly, thanks to Japanese Embassy which donated training gear and mats to the tune of over P1.5 million.

Dubbed Botswana Judo 2 School Programme, which is comprehensively and systematically run by local coaches in collaboration with young Japanese coaches, the programme was aimed at unearthing young talent and extending the game to government schools. 

According to Judo marketing director, Patricia Nthibo, the tournament which was the second after the first at Phillip Moshotle early this year, went well according to their judgment more so that at least 102 participants took part in it.  Six clubs of SSKB, Phillip Moshotle, GSS, Lesedi, Masa and Botsalano took part and participants were aged between nine and 17 years. 

Clubs, which also enjoy full support of parents, are steadily gaining growth according to Nthibo, who did not want to hide her excitement over the quality of the tournament which took the better part of the day.  

A total of 63 three medals in gold, silver and bronze were shared among the participating clubs. The next tournament, anticipated to be even better than the previous two, is scheduled for November at Botsalano in Tlokweng. ENDS