China's judo athletes aim high at world championships in Budapest

BUDAPEST, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese judo athletes expected to mark the first step in the new Olympic cycle by earning more points and higher world ranking through the World Judo Championships, as the event is to kick off during June 13-19 at the Papp Laszlo Sports Arena in the capital city of Hungary,

A total of 556 athletes from 93 countries and regions, including seven Paris Olympic champions, 10 reigning world champions and 11 top-ranked athletes will participate in the individual competitions in seven categories for both men and women, as well as a mixed team event.

Team China named a 16-member lineup for the Budapest worlds, consisting of 7 men and 9 women athletes, including Ma Zhenzhao, bronze medalist in women's 78kg at Paris Olympic Games and two rookies Ayman Jinesnuer and Niu Xinran who finished a one-two on the podium of the Asian Judo Championships last April.

"Everything get reset after the Paris Olympics and I have been coaching the Chinese team for only two months. I have become very familiar with my athletes' techniques and match footage prior to my arrival," Stephane Traineau said during the training session on Thursday.

"China has excellent training conditions, and I think my athletes need to load more physical training and try to avoid injuries. We need to compete more and join more training camps around the world."

"I am very excited and look forward to the performance of our team in Budapest. It is the first step towards the Los Angeles Olympics, and I hope we can get more points and higher rankings and strive for the glory in the mixed team event for team China," Traineau noted. ■