43-strong Israel team out to rule in Tel Aviv

Hosts Israel has selected their strongest possible squad for their historic first IJF event. World number three Peter Paltchik has been a focal point of the team of late and is counting down the days until he and his colleagues can grace the IJF stage in Tel Aviv.

“I feel proud to have this event for the first time in my country,” said the U100kg star.

“It is a big dream for me and for my team to host one of the IJF events and I am very excited.”

Israel will be expected to be among the top performing nations and nobody would rule them out of the reckoning for top spot in the medal table.

“I am passionate and motivated in every single training,” said Paltchik.

 “Our preparations are led by our national coach Oren Smadga and we have a very strong team and I truly believe that we will succeed in every category. Many people, from all over the county are planning to come and support me and my colleagues. I promise we will do our best. I am thrilled to perform in my own country and to bring pride to Israel.”

The new event will provide home advantage to the plentiful and talented home team and act as a springboard for them in 2019 as they seek to qualify as many judoka as they can for Tokyo 2020.

 “This event is a great opportunity to collect more points, experience and to improve my ranking,” added The Hague Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi Grand Slam gold medallist.

 “The Tel Aviv Grand Prix is a highly important part of my journey to the World Championships this year and of course to the Olympic Games.”