Veteran judoka, Donald Sutherland, expressed his excitement after winning at the first National Ranking Event and national trials for team selection to compete at the Commonwealth Judo Championship in Malta.
The first national ranking and trials for judo were held at the University of Pretoria a week ago, and the winners are in line to be selected for a team to compete at the Commonwealth Judo Championships from April 4 to 7 in Malta.
“I had a tough fight in the final. I was given a shido (penalty) for stepping out. Then we both received a shido for inactivity.
“I then won the fight by doing a drop seoi nage for which I got an ippon. I wanted to compete under 100kg, which I did. Last year I was 100+ SA and Commonwealth Champion,” said Sutherland.
“Winning the trials, I would qualify to be eligible for selection to the national team which will compete at the Commonwealth Judo Championships in Malta,” he added, explaining his goals.
“I have been doing judo since 2013, and have been SA champion and trials winner multiple times. It is always a privilege and an honour to represent one’s country on the international stage.”
The veteran also opened his own judo club at Ikhwezi Locusa Rehabilitation Centre in Mthatha, on Monday, March 4.
The opening of the club is part of developing the sport in Mthatha.
