Palembang ready to host judo c'ships

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Organizers of the Judo National Championships were upbeat that host Palembang would be able to stage the national event which also serves as the preparation for the National Games to be held here in 2004.

"Everything is just fine although this is the first time that Palembang has hosted the national championships," Organizing committee spokesman, Arum Priyono, told reporters on Thursday.

The organizers expected 257 judoka (fighters) from 23 chapters to attend the championships to be held from March 9 until March 11 at the Palembang Sports Hall.

There will be seven weightclasses for men, from the under-60- kilogram division to the more than 100-kilogram division, and another seven classes for women, from the under-48-kilogram division to the 78-kilogram division.

Nearly 20 referees, several of whom are internationally certified, will officiate. -- JP