141 Judo Athletes Compete For 124 Papuan PON Medals

JAKARTA - A total of 141 Judo athletes from 20 provinces in Indonesia are ready to compete for 124 medals consisting of 32 gold, 32 silver and 60 bronze at the XX Papua National Sports Week (PON).

The inaugural Judo match began Wednesday at the Judo Graha Eme Neme Yauware arena, with the lineup of athletes consisting of 62 men, 53 women and 26 Nage No Kata athletes.

The coordinator of the competition and Judo's "technical meeting", Budiman Djajat explained, on the first day of the competition, there were six classes with three classes for girls and boys.

"Yesterday, we weighed the weight of each participant, if any of them exceed the provisions, they will be declared disqualified and cannot continue the match," Budi said in an official statement from the Public Relations of PB PON Sub Mimika, Wednesday, as reported by Antara.

The six classes competed were -45 kg, -48 kg and -52 kg for women, and -55 kg, -60 kg, -66 kg for men.

Overall, the numbers contested for the men's individual numbers are -155, -60, -66, -73, -80, -91, -100, +100, and Kata or art numbers.

Then from the women's individual starting from -45, -48, -52, -57, -63, -70, -78, +78 and Kata, as well as mixed numbers.

Previously, the Judo organizing committee and technical delegation ensured that the competition arena at Graha Eme Neme Yauware was of international standard and readiness had reached 100 percent.

"Entering Graha Eme Neme Yauware, we can see an amazing competition arena called international standard," said technical delegate (TD) Judo Perry Pantouw.

Perry said the mats used for athletes were imported directly from China.

"This mat has been accepted by the International Judo Federation (IJF). The number one mat includes the stage. This arena is of international standard, if Mimika can win a world championship, this fulfills international requirements," he said proudly.

There are also four stands in the arena, namely one for VIP, two for spectators and one for athletes who have not competed.

"I hope judo in Papua advances and can hold a world championship here. The goods already exist and will later become Mimika's property, so hopefully they can be put to good use," he concluded.