YEREVAN GETS READY FOR JUDO CHAMPIONSHIP. AZERBAIJANI TEAM DEMANDS GUARANTEES

armradio.am
21.08.2009 16:25

Over 250 athletes from 40 countries will participate in the European
Youth Judo Championship which will take place September 11-14 in
Yerevan.Vice Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Samvel Khachatryan
and Chairman of the Armenian Judo Federation Alexan Avetisyan told
today journalists that previously 35-36 countries took part in this
tournament. For the first time athletes from Albania and Monaco –
2 judoists from each country, will take part in this championship,
Ireland’s sportsmen comprise greater number than usual.

Sports delegations of almost all countries have already registered
hotels and informed the day of their arrival. The main fight is
anticipated between the sportsmen of France, Italy, Russia, Holland,
who will arrive in Yerevan with full staffs – 8 sportsmen each.

The Armenian boys will come forward in all the 5 weight categories,
the girls – in 5 weight categories. The conduction of this tournament
in Yerevan will highly promote to the further development of
judo. Azerbaijani mass media hold active discussions over the European
Judo Championship which will be launched in Armenia. They seem to
be concerned about Azerbaijani national team’s participation to the
championship; some organizations say that their team should not attend
that championship held in Yerevan. It turned out that the Azerbaijanis
are concer ned about not having any guarantees on their security.

The President of Armenian Judo Federation Alexan Avetisyan said at
news conference today that the Azerbaijani Judo Federation has already
affirmed the participation of their 14 sportsmen to the championship.

"Armenia has given guarantees and there is no need to feel
worried. Note that not only Azerbaijani team has been given
guarantees. The security of all the teams is guaranteed," the
president said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress