Kathmandu, July 31:

Nepal Judo Association, under the auspices of Jhapa District Judo Association, is organising the ninth National Judo Championship after two years gap in Dhulabari, Jhapa from August 23-26.

In all 205 players, including 124 men and 81 women from 22 districts, Nepal Police and Nepali Army, will vie for 13 weight categories — seven in men and six in women’s, said the organisers. The NJA also said that national teams will be formed in accordance to the players’ performance in the tournament. “By forming a nation teams it will be easier for us to select players for the international events,” said the NJA. “Winners in each of the 13 events will be given the status of Team A while the runners up will be provided the status of Team B”, said Chhetri.

The NJA said they would provide special training to the national players as part of their participation for the South Asian Judo Championship slated for December in Pakistan.

NJA president Deepak Harsha Bajracharya said Nepal was set to host the 2008 South Asian Judo Championship in September. “We have already received $10,000 from Judo Union of Asia to buy the tournament mats and more supports are in the pipeline,” he said.