Female judokas debut in Paralympic Games

For the first time in the history of Paralympic Judo, women’s categories (-48, -52, -57, -63, -70, +70 kg classes) are included in the Paralympic programme. The Judo competition will be held from 18 to 20 September at the Ano Liossia Olympic Hall. The Tournament will include a total of 120 competitors, consisting of 84 male athletes (competing in -60, -66, -73, -81, -90, -100, +100 kg classes) and 36 female athletes, who are determined to make history in their first participation.

Judo is the only Paralympic Sport originating from the Asian continent. The first Paralympic Judo Competition took place in Rome, Italy in 1960. Over 400 athletes representing 23 countries participated in that Tournament. However, Judo was first introduced in the 8th Paralympic Games in Seoul, in 1988.

In the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games, three great athletes will try to defend their titles from Sydney: Cuba's Sergio Arturo PEREZ HECHAVARRIA will seek to repeat his victory in the –60 kg category, while Japanese Satoshi FUJIMOTO and Stephen MOORE (USA) will try to maintain their crowns in the –66 and –73 kg categories, respectively.

Thirty-five-year-old MOORE made history four years ago by beating China's Cui BAOJI in the –73 kg category final bout and became the first ever American judoka to win a gold medal in the Paralympic Games.

Cuba's Isao Rafael CRUZ ALONSO, gold medallist in Sydney in the –81 kg category, has the challenge of contesting the gold medal in the –90 kg category.

Antonio DA SILVA (BRA), gold medallist in Sydney in the –90 kg category, and Walter HANI (AUT), the Paralympic title-holder in the -100 kg category, will be conspicuous by their absence in this Paralympic Tournament.