Anis Lounifi is undoubtedly a legend of Tunisian and even world judo. In addition to his 50 individual titles and 5 others by teams at the African level, his two gold medals at the Mediterranean Games, he distinguished himself worldwide by being the first Tunisian sportsman to win the title of world champion in 2001, organized in Munich. Two years later, in 2003, he confirmed his talent by winning a bronze medal at the World Cup held in Japan. During this World Cup, he created a strong sensation by eliminating in his weight category (- 60 kg), in the quarter-finals, the great Japanese champion Namura Tadahiro, triple gold medalist at the Olympic Games. A surprise that caught the attention of followers of world judo and commanded respect for our guest. Currently, coach of the champion Nihel Cheikhrouhou, he looks back on his performances and his chances at the Tokyo Olympics. Interview.
How do you judge Nihel’s performance during the Grand Master organized in Doha?
Although she was not physically at the top in Doha, she illustrated herself very well. By playing 5 fights against formidable opponents before being trapped against the French Dicko, she showed reassuring predispositions. Moreover, she took her revenge on three strong opponents, namely Puerto Rican Mojica, Cameroonian Mballa and Brazilian Souza, 6e global. She thus benefited from a psychological advantage over these three judokas. And then she advanced to the FTJ ranking of the 8e at the 6e up, which will give her a lot of confidence in her means, especially since she is motivated and determined to win a medal at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Indeed, what does it need for her to reach the podium in Tokyo?
We have established a comprehensive and adequate preparation program for it. If she performs it perfectly and in the right conditions, she will be all set for the Olympics. In addition to internships in Tunis and abroad, generally devoted to physical and mental work, she will have to take part in 6 major events including the world championship and that of Africa.
Who would be Nihel’s main opponents in Tokyo?
Our champion has reached a world level. She knows her opponents well. She beat them up and got the better of them. There remain the Japanese, Korean and French judokas who remain formidable. But I have full confidence in my athlete. She is motivated and shows an extraordinary rage to win. After the first laps, she will be on the podium in Tokyo.
Nihel is well known around the world for her good Grand Slam results. It enjoys a good reputation.
Moreover, the managers and technicians of the French federation do not hesitate to accept him for an internship with French internationals. They see that it has a level of quality and that its technical support is excellent.
Apart from Nihel, who among the Tunisian elite could qualify for the Tokyo games?
One of the three following judokas: Nihel Bouchoucha (70 kg), Frej Dhouib (60 kg) and Ghofrane Khélifi (57 kg) who behaved well at the African level. But qualification for the Olympics remains dependent on the world ranking.
Certainly you have an idea of some promising young people that you hope to mentor.
Yes. There are many young people with very promising talent including Hamza Ouerghi, Alaa Chelbi and a certain Kossay. They are gifted thanks to a job well done in a few clubs, in particular those of Kairouan, Sfax, ES Oued Ellil and Cité Intilaka.
How do you analyze the progress of Tunisian judo?
Judo has become a sport with traditions in our country. And this, thanks to many former practitioners who, in retirement, had not given up their favorite sport by remaining in the community, either as an officer, technician, referee or in the medical profession.
I quote in this context Hédi M’hirsi, former president of the federation and international referee, Skander Hachicha, former champion and current president of the federation, Abderrazak Turki, former champion and current DTN and many others including the physiotherapist of the elite Mouldi Hamma, also former champion.
This is how our federation is well structured at all levels (training of coaches, referees, administrators, etc.). It has become a management model par excellence.
Are you living your job as a breeder?
I am very motivated to achieve other performances in Tunisian sport.
Former athlete at the Police Club, then at EST, I have distinguished myself in sport as an athlete at all levels (national, Arab, African, Mediterranean and world).
I am also professor emeritus of physical education and sport and national trainer having previously supervised judokas who distinguished themselves worldwide by winning bronze medals, namely Houda Miled in 2009 and Fayçal Jaballah in 2013. An Olympic medal for Nihel Cheikhrouhou will be a performance that will undoubtedly motivate me and give me more impetus to continue working and succeeding.
