Good African participation in Paris Grand Prix 2011

The annual tournament of Paris opened today, February 5th, 2011, with a record participation of 516 athletes stemming from 80 countries. Africa was represented by 54 athletes representing the following 16 countries: Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Libya, Madagascar, Morocco, Mali, Maurice, Nigeria, Niger, Senegal, Seychelles, Togo and Finally Zambia. The big absentees of this tournament remain Tunisia and Egypt. The first day was marked by the silver medal won brilliantly by the Algerian judo player Soraya HADDAD. This result denotes of return in force of this athlete who enjoys a very considerable potential. It is worth reminding that during the last Olympics of Beijing she had managed to occupy the third position of the podium. The participation tomorrow of Benikhlef Amar, silver medal-holder of Beijing Olympics, gives us hope for a second medal for Africa.

The International Tournament of Paris 2011 ended in highlight for the Frenchman Teddy RINER who bet the Japanese Kamikawa Daiki. A beautiful revenge after ihis defeat with the same opponent 6 months ago during the world championships of Tokyo in the open category. This victory was torn extracted in front of a very enthusiastic public that came in big number to support their idol.

So Riner wins for the fourth consecutive time this prestigious international competition of the IJF.

On the African side the hope to gain other medals after the silver medal of the first day won by the the Algerian Soraya HADDAD, flew away after the defeat of the Moroccan Safouane ATTAF in the category of 81 kg and the Algerian Lyes BOUYAKOUB in the category of 90 kg, to cross the course of the quarterfinals. However, these two athletes did not completely prove unworthy by raising themselves on the 5th position of the overall results.

Nonetheless, the good participation of thee African athletes to this event denotes the interest shown by the African countries to promote the sport of the judo at an international level. This strong will induce good perspectives for the future.

1st day results

Day 2 Results