Cuban Judokas Travel to China to Participate in Grand Prix. (Picture: From Internet)
Cuba’s men’s and women’s judo teams left for on Monday for China, venue of November 20-22 of a Grand Prix and first stop in Asia, seeking to increase points for world ranking in view of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Standing out among the 10 athletes are Idalis Ortiz, in the over 78 kilogram category; and Asley González (90), Olympic and world medalists.
The women’s team, led by Armando Padrón, head of the technical group, and Ronaldo VetÃa, is completed with Dayaris Mestre (48), Aliuska Ojeda (57), Maricet Espinosa (63) and Yalennis Castillo (78), and Joaquin Ferrer, physiotherapist.
Justo Noda, head coach of the male group, supported by Dr. Uvelino Moreno, also traveled with Magdiel Estrada (73), Ivan Silva (81), José Armenteros (100) and Alex Garcia (+100).
The Asian tour includes South Korea, venue of a Grand Prix on November 26-28, and Japan, which will host a Grand Slam, on December 6-8.
As planned, the judo world ranking gives 22 and 14 direct tickets to men and women judokas respectively, hence the importance of the presence of the disciples of Noda and Padrón, who seek to improve their places on the list.
