British Judo has confirmed that 27 countries will compete in the 2009 GB World Cup for both men and women. It will take place at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, this weekend.
Around 265 competitors will entertain the crowds over the two days during the first ever World Cup to be held in Britain for both men and women.
The 49-strong British Team, who as hosts can enter up to four players per weight category, includes Colleen Kerr (-63kg), Sally Conway (-70kg), Sarah Adlington (+78kg) and Faith Pitman (-63kg) who were the gold medal winners from last year’s GB World Cup.
Looking forward to competing on home soil is European silver medallist Sarah Clark (-63kg)-in the picture-. After the disappointment of going out in the first round at the World Championships, Clark is determined to put in a strong and solid performance.
Countries confirmed include Germany, Russia, France, Brazil, Belgium, Austria, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Andorra, Ghana, Israel, Luxemburg, USA, Australia, Czech Republic, Finland, Slovakia, New Zealand, Latvia, Norway, Ireland, Lithuania, Sweden, Hungary and Great Britain.
There will also be lots of action off the mat for spectators including the chance to meet Japanese judo star Kosei Inoue who will be signing autographs on the concourse on both days of the event, alongside Britain’s World silver medallist Karina Bryant, who will also be available for photos.
The last three editions of the World Cup in Birmingham al had different winners. It’s the first time that it’s a combined event. Two years ago it was a men’s event, last year for women. Birmingham is the first combined event this year.
Birmingham has also been host of the 1999 World Championships, the 1995 European Championships and the British Open until 2001.