Dutch Judo Association aims for four European medals

A team of 17 judoka has been selected by the Dutch Judo Association to participate in the European Judo Championship in Sofia. The main EJU of the year will take place from April 29 to May 1 in the Arena Armeec in the Bulgarian capital.

Former world champion Noël van 't End, Olympic bronze medalist Sanne van Dijke and many medalists at previous global and continental title tournaments, will appear on the mat. In addition, this tournament offers an ideal opportunity for various debutants to show themselves at this level.

At the last European Championship, April last year, the Netherlands won a total of four medals. Sanne van Dijke became European champion in Portugal, Guusje Steenhuis and the now retired Henk Grol captured silver, and Sanne Vermeer took home a bronze medal. Sanne Vermeer cancelled her participation due to a knee injury and was replaced by Junior World Champion Joanne van Lieshout fighting U63kg.

With the current selection of 9 women and 8 men, the JBN sends out a team that is mix of experienced medal candidates and upcoming talent which is estimated to be able to compete for the podium places in various weight categories.

The goal is to win four medals said Vincent Ronnes, technical director of the Dutch Judo Association: “We have a nice mix of routine and novices.” Van Dijke belongs to the group, just like former world champion Noël van ‘t End. At the last European Championship in Portugal, the Netherlands won four medals. National coach Maarten Arens may also not go to the Bulgarian capital. The national coach, one of the longest serving in Dutch Olympic sport, is ill.

Full squad European Judo 2022 in Sofia (BUL):

Women

-48 kg: Amber Gersjes

-57 kg: Pleuni Cornelisse

-63 kg: Geke van den Berg

-63 kg: Joanne van Lieshout

-70 kg: Sanne van Dijke

-70 kg: Hilde Jager

-78 kg: Guusje Steenhuis

-78 kg: Natascha Ausma

+78 kg: Marit Kamps

Men

-60 kg: Tornike Tsjkadoea

-81 kg: Frank de Wit

-90 kg: Noël van 't End

-90 kg: Jesper Smink

-100 kg: Michael Korrel

-100 kg: Simeon Catharina

+100 kg: Roy Meyer

+100 kg: Jur Spijkers