J*panese amba*s**or upbeat about judo growth
Japanese ambassador to Kenya Ryoichi Horie is upbeat the partnership between the two nations will the growth of the country’s judo.
Speaking after the conclusion of the of the second edition of the Japanese Ambassador’s Judo Cup in Nairobi over the past weekend, the envoy is hopeful a number of judokas will qualify for Tokyo, Olympic Games.
Horie said he is impressed from the great talent, which he says, should be nurtured.
“I am impressed with the talent I have seen here and I hope many of you will qualify for Tokyo Olympics.
We shall continue to give the judokas such forums to better themselves raise the standards of the game in the country,” he said.
Kenya Judo Federation (KJF) deputy president Duncan Chemiryo said the body is keen to grow and develop the sport countrywide in terms of players and technical personnel.
Chemiryo said the federation wants tap into the players who are almost calling it a day in judo and train them as coaches and officials.
“We have embarked on a massive recruitment and development of cadet and juniors countrywide in the last three years. This is to ensure there is no vacuum created when senior judokas retire from the game.
“We intend to transition those who are interested in technical positions,” said Chemiryo insisting that many of these judokas retiring have shown interest in coaching and officiating.
