Doha Masters: 370 judokas eye ranking points for Tokyo Olympics
DOHA: Preparations are in top gear as Qatar is set to host the International Judo Federation (IJF) Doha Masters from January 11-13 at the ultra-modern Lusail Multipurpose Hall.
The IJF World Tour event will offer ranking points in the race for a place at the Tokyo Olympics for the 370 athletes – 203 male and 167 female – from 68 countries representing the five continental federations of Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania and Pan-America.
The tournament will feature competition in seven categories for both men and women, and top billing goes to France’s Teddy Riner – a two-time Olympic gold medallist and 10-time world champion at +100kg in his 13-year career.
The director of the local organising committee, Eid Al Muraikhi, said: “We are delighted to welcome the world to Doha once again. We are extremely proud of being the host of this important tournament which is a qualifying event for the rescheduled 2020 Tokyo Games.
“The tournament is happening at an unusual time due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. Still, Qatar is more than ready to provide the strictest health protocols for the athletes and officials taking part in the prestigious event. The safety of everyone is our topmost priority.”
The Doha Masters will serve as a full-scale dress rehearsal for the IJF World Championships which Qatar will host in 2023.
