The countdown continues in view of the World Masters Doha 2021, the first major event of the Olympic season as regards the major world judo circuit. The Lusail Sports Arena in the Qatari capital is preparing to host (behind closed doors) from 11 to 13 January the beauty of 400 athletes from 70 Nations, including 10 Italian judokas able to earn an invitation (reserved for the best 36 in the world in each category) by ranking. The event will be valid for the Olympic qualification in Tokyo, giving away a maximum of 1800 points for all winners.
The tricolor selection, which arrived in Qatar a couple of days ago, is composed of Odette Giuffrida, Maria Centracchio, Edwige Gwend, Alice Bellandi, Manuel Lombardo, Fabio Basile, Giovanni Esposito, Antonio Esposito, Christian Parlati and Nicholas Mungai. Too bad for Francesca Giorda, 38th in the -48 kg ranking and therefore second of the excluded in her category for the first event of 2021. Below are the statements made to the federal site by some Azzurri in view of the Masters.
Odette Giuffrida: “We gave our all for this Masters we skipped Christmas and New Year, we trained in any way possible. We really wanted this Masters, now it’s time to collect”. Maria Centracchio: “I am very happy to face this race. I am ready to give everything and to put new bricks for the construction of my path”. Edwige Gwend: “A special race for an equally special period … My hope is to be able to experience this race to the full and that the result will arrive just as positive”. Fabio Basile: “I will not be one hundred percent because of those injuries that, thanks to the extraordinary commitment of our doctors, we do everything possible to recover. Anyway I’m always an animal”. Antonio Esposito: “I am ready to give everything, I feel fit and I can’t wait to fight!”
Photo: EJU
