Judo fans are eagerly watching two major events this weekend. Athletes are stepping onto the mats in both Lima, Peru, and Malaga, Spain. They aim to show their skill and grab valuable points.
One of the biggest names in action is Catarina Costa. She is an Olympian who placed fifth at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Costa is also a three-time European vice-champion. She currently holds the 16th spot in the International Judo Federation (IJF) rankings for the 48 kg category. She is the top pick to win the Grand Prix in Lima. Her first fight is this Saturday against American Anat Tsyrlin. Tsyrlin is ranked 132nd. This event is a key part of the IJF world circuit.
Spotlight on Other Olympians
Another Olympian, João Fernando, will compete in the European Cup in Malaga. He competes at 81 kg. Fernando is ranked 36th globally but enters as the number one seed. Because of his top seeding, he gets a bye in the first round. His competition runs Saturday and Sunday. Bárbara Timo, also an Olympian, is joining him in Malaga. She is ranked 102nd in the 70 kg division. Timo will face Italian Antonietta Palumbo, ranked 172nd, in her opening match.
Rising Stars in Malaga
The Malaga event also features many up-and-coming judokas. These young athletes are hoping to one day reach the Olympic stage. They will gain important experience this weekend.
Here are some of the hopefuls competing:
- Men:
- Tralhão Fernandes (60 kg)
- Miguel Gago (66 kg)
- Sidónio Serpa (73 kg)
- Otari Kvantidze (73 kg)
- Gonçalo Lampreia (73 kg)
- Rodrigo Janeiro (73 kg)
- Pedro Lima (90 kg)
- LuÃs Diogo (90 kg)
- Diogo Chantre (100 kg)
- Diogo Brites (+100 kg)
- Women:
- Raquel Brito (52 kg)
- Maria Silveira (57 kg)
- Raquel Brás (57 kg)
- Ana Agulhas (57 kg)
- Margarida Brás (63 kg)
- Mané Rosa (+78 kg)