両階級ともに五輪代表候補の
世界最高峰と言える素晴らしい
◎大会結果→IJFサイト
とくに66kg級の戦いでは
優勝した阿部一二三、
決勝はもちろんのこと、
質の高い試合を見せてくれました。
決勝は阿部が必死に前へ出て次につなげる試合をしましたし、
丸山も右膝のケガの影響で
準備期間が短かったにもかかわらず
阿部の挑戦を真っ向から受け止める
60kg級では世界選手権で敗れた
しかし、負けた永山竜樹も髙藤も、
決勝までの試合では海外勢によく研究されており、危機感を強くしたというのも正直なところです。
両階級ともに、代表争いは続きます。
明日は男子は73kg級と81kg級が行われます。
引きつづき、日本代表にご声援いただきますようお願い申し上げます。
Osaka Grand Slam is On!
The Osaka Grand Slam opened today with the men’s -60kg and -66kg events.
In both categories Japanese Olympic candidates made it to an all Japan final where they showed us some amazing, top world class judo matches.
Competition results here→IJF web
In particular in the -66kg category, winner Hifumi Abe and runner-up Joshiro Maruyama showed us some fantastic judo not only in the final but right the way through the heats.
Abe’s strategy in the final was very offensive and despite Maruyama having a right knee injury and a shorter training period he took his opponent head on and fought hard.
In the -60kg category Naohisa Takato, who lost in the World Championships showed us a really tenacious match.
However, both Takato and Nagayama, studied the performance of foreign judoka on their way to the final and to be honest are very aware of the increasing threat.
The fight for a place in both categories is still on.
I felt again that, in my position it is my responsibility to provide the best possible environment in the run up to the 2020 Olympics so that no matter which athlete takes part they will come out with a result.
Tomorrow sees the men’s -73kg and -81kg categories.
On behalf of the Japan team I ask for your continued support.