Avilés, Spain – More than 300 judokas from across Spain are set to participate in the fourth edition of the “Judo Olímpicos Avilés” stage, taking place from April 3rd to 5th. The event, organized by the Club Oscar Fernández with the support of the Avilés City Council, is integrated into the sporting program of the Fiestas de El Bollo and will be held at the Complejo Deportivo Avilés in El Quirinal.
The stage provides a crucial preparation opportunity for the Asturian Judo team as they gear up for the Spanish Championship, scheduled for April 18th and 19th in Mallorca. The competition in Mallorca will feature athletes in the Infantil, Cadete, Junior, Senior, and university categories. This event isn’t just for the elite; it’s designed to foster growth at all levels of the sport.
Juan Carlos Guerrero, the Avilés City Council’s Sports Councilor, and Oscar Fernández, representing the organizing club, presented the event earlier this week. Guerrero highlighted the importance of hosting events that attract both local and regional athletes, promoting a healthy lifestyle and boosting tourism in Avilés. “This stage represents an opportunity to promote a healthy and exciting sport, as well as promote the presence of visitors in Avilés,” Guerrero said.
A key draw for this year’s stage is the presence of Dashdavaa Amartuvshin, a recently retired judoka from Mongolia. Amartuvshin brings a wealth of experience to the event, having achieved success on the international stage. His accolades include a World Championship silver medal, 34 IJF Grand Slam medals, and participation in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. He is currently the coach of the Fujian Province Team in China. Organizers believe his expertise will be invaluable to the more than 300 judokas registered for the stage, many of whom are traveling from outside of Asturias.
The “Judo Olímpicos Avilés” stage is structured to accommodate judokas of all ages and skill levels. The event kicks off on Friday with a dedicated “Kids” session for athletes aged 4 to 10, starting at 4:30 PM. Following that, four additional sessions will cater to older participants, scheduled for Friday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Oscar Fernández noted a slight adjustment to the age eligibility for this year’s event. “To allow more to participate, we’ve lowered the age requirement by one year, enabling younger athletes in the Alevín category to join,” he explained. This adjustment demonstrates the club’s commitment to inclusivity and expanding access to the sport.
The event is expected to draw participants from several Spanish autonomous communities, including Galicia, Cantabria, Castilla y León, Navarra, the Basque Country, and Portugal. This broad representation underscores the growing popularity of judo and the appeal of the “Judo Olímpicos Avilés” stage as a premier training opportunity.
Both Guerrero and Fernández emphasized the high caliber of Amartuvshin as an instructor. His extensive competitive background and current coaching role with the Fujian Province Team provide a unique perspective and valuable insights for aspiring judokas. The opportunity to learn from a world-class athlete and coach is a significant benefit for all participants.
Stage Schedule:
- Friday, April 3rd, 6:00 PM: First Session
- Saturday, April 4th, 10:00 AM: Second Session
- Saturday, April 4th, 6:00 PM: Third Session
- Sunday, April 5th, 10:00 AM: Fourth Session
The “Judo Olímpicos Avilés” stage isn’t just a sporting event; it’s a celebration of judo and a testament to the dedication of the Club Oscar Fernández and the support of the Avilés City Council. It’s a chance for athletes to hone their skills, learn from the best, and prepare for upcoming competitions, all although contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the Fiestas de El Bollo.
Following the Avilés stage, the focus will shift to Mallorca as the Asturian Judo team prepares for the Spanish Championship on April 18th, and 19th. The results of the championship will determine which athletes will represent the region at national and international events later in the year.
Fans and followers of judo can stay updated on the event’s progress and results through the Club Oscar Fernández’s official website: https://www.academiaoscarfernandez.com/.
