Over 34 African countries will participate in the Tunis International Open (all categories) due March 9-12 in Rades, Technical Director of the Tunisian Judo Federation Bechri Khiari said Wednesday.

The number may increase in the coming days preceding the registration deadline, set for March 1, he told TAP.

The open will kick off on March 9 for cadets, March 10 for juniors and March 11-12 for seniors.

“Tunisia will partake in all categories with 58 judokas for cadets, 52 for juniors and 65 for seniors, he pointed out.

The tournament will be a qualifying round for some athletes for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, such as Nihel Landolsi (70 kg), Oumaima Bdioui (48 kg), Fraj Dhouibi (60 kg), Koussai Ben Ghars (100 kg) and Wahib Hadiouch (+100 kg), as they have good chances to qualify.

“Our goal is to increase the international participations of our elite athletes so as to improve their world rankings and their chances to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games, notably by ranking among the top 16 judokas,” he indicated.

Source: Tap News Agency