Tunisia hosts 25 nations for the 39th African Judo Championship with the Olympic qualification phase in the lime light.

The 39^th African Judo Championship is taking place in Tunisia from 12-15 April 2018. The official draw for this major continental annual event was held this afternoon at the El Mouradi Resort.

The participation of 25 countries assembling 116 men and 65 women for this Championship is something great said Habib Sissoko, the President of the African Judo Union who made an opening address. "We thank all the participants for their support, your presence is much appreciated" said Habib Sissoko.

Skander Hachicha President of the Tunisian Judo Federation was acclaimed by the President for his hospitality and devotion to Judo. "We wish to acknowledge President Skander Hachicha for hard work in organizing and efforts in preparing this event. He also thanks all the guests and participants and wishes them a successful competition.

This competition will last four days from Thursday to Sunday at the sports Hall El Menzah in Tunis. The Sports Director Abakar DJERMAH conducted the draw and ABABACAR Ngom, the referee director has given all the necessary explanations concerning the rules of the competition. "The new rules 2018-2020 will be applied", he insisted.

The Coach and Education Director El Jamali El Arabi also addresses to make some points concerning the judogis and other rules to be applied.

The competition will start at 14h30 on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and at 9h30 on Sunday for the Team event. On day one the -90/-100/+100 will be in action and women of -70/+78/+78 will be performing on the first day of competition. Day 2 will see the -66/-73/81kg and Women -57/-63kg. Day 3:-60/Open Women -48/-52/-open. Day 4: -73/-90/+90kg women -57/-70/+70 kg.

PREVIEW

-48 kg

Last year, during the 38^th African Championship in Madagascar, Taciana Cesar (GBS), won the gold medal in this category. And this year, in the absence of the champion, the silver medalist, Olfa Saoudi (TUN) has her best chance to get the best place.

-52kg

The Algerian champion Meriem Moussa will do her best to keep her title but she will have to face the Mauritian Christian Legentil 7^th world ranking and who is in very good condition to challenge the gold medal.

-57Kg

The Tunisian gold medalist in Madagascar will have to defend her title. Ghofran Khelifi is considered to be strong however there are very good competitors in this category.

-63kg

Sofia Belatar from Morocco won the gold medal last year in Madagascar. She was engaged in a big fight that she won against Mereim Bjaoui from Tunisia. The silver medalist will be in action in her country and this can be a big advantage for her this time.

-70kg

Assmaa Niang will surely accentuate her domination in this category. She had a very good performance during the world championship in Budapest last year and has just won the recent Agadir Grand Prix. She will a force to recon with.

-78kg

The Algerian Kaouthar Ouallal will try to secure her best result made in Madagascar. She will probably have to face Saerra Mzouggi of Tunisia again

+78kg

In this category Sonia Asselah from Algeria has shown her power against Sahar Trabelsi from Tunisia last year during the African Championship. She will have to do her best to renew her gold this year.

Preview : Men

-60kg

Fraj Dhouibi from Tunisia won the gold medal last year in Madagascar during the African Championship. And this year he will take on the challenge to keep his gold medal against the silver medalist Salim Rabahi from Algeria.

-66kg

25 judokas in this category, the biggest category and the champion from last year is Houd Zourdani from Algeria, who will face some stiff opposition.

-73kg

Mohamed Mohyeldin from Egypt took the gold Medal in 2017. This category with 24 athletes reserves a lot of surprises.

-81kg

Mohamed Abdelaal from Egypt showed us last year that he is a great player. This year he is back to keep his gold medal.

-90kg

Oussama Snoussi from Tunisia is present this year and in good form to keep his title. He won the gold medal last year in the African Championship in Madagascar by beating Dolassem Dieudonne of Cameroun.

-100kg

The Algerian Lyes Bouyacoub won the gold medal last year after a tremendous fight against Ramadan Darwish from Egypt. He is back this year to give the best result.

+100kg

Nadjib Temmar from Algeria is a distinguished Judoka in the heavy weight category. 11 judokas in this category are ready to challenge him. He will have to secure his best result.

PROGRAMME

Thursday 12 April:

MEN- 90 kg, -100 kg, +100 kg. WOMEN-70 kg, -78 kg, +78 kg,

Nage-No-Kata

Friday 13 April:

MEN-81 kg,- 73 kg, - 66 kg WOMEN-63 kg-57 kg

Katame-No-Kata

Saturday 14April:

MEN-60kg and Open WOMEN-48 kg - 52 kg and Open

Kime-No-Kata

Sunday 15 April:

Mixed Team Competition

Ju-No-Kata