Inner Mongolian squad shines at National Judo Championship

Wu Shugen (left) from Inner Mongolia fights with Mo Qinqin from Sichuan province during the women’s 48-kilogram contest. [Photo/people.cn]

The 2017 National Judo Championship, in conjunction with the Judo Qualifier for the 13th National Games, was held in Huaihua, Hunan province from April 16 to 22.

During the seven-day event, Inner Mongolia harvested seven medals -- including two golds, two silvers, and three bronzes -- alongside 18 entries to the 13th National Games.

The event assembled nearly 600 athletes from 29 delegations from across China, among which 38 judokas were from the Inner Mongolian squad.

During the contests, Wu Shugen won the first place in the women’s 48-kilogram division and Bayan Delihei earned a gold medal in the men’s 73-kilogram division.

Among the 18 qualifiers trained by the Inner Mongolia Judo Association, there will be 12 athletes to represent Inner Mongolia autonomous region as they participate in the 13th National Games. The rest will stand for teams including Tibet autonomous region, Jilin province, Gansu province, and People’s Liberation Army.

A sportsmanship award was given to the Inner Mongolia judo squad for their excellent performance, observance of the rules, respect for opponents, and graciousness when losing matches.

Tan Jingfeng, head of the Inner Mongolia Sports Bureau, watched the contests at the site.

The 13th National Games will be held in Tianjin from Aug 27 to Sept 8 this year, according to China’s Sports Bureau.

Medalists and presenters pose for a photo at the awards ceremony of the 2017 National Judo Championship held in Huaihua, Hunan province. [Photo/nmgsports.gov.cn]

Judo athletes from Inner Mongolia pose together at the closing ceremony of the 2017 National Judo Championship held in Huaihua, Hunan province. [Photo/nmgsports.gov.cn]