Four Benfica judokas at the Grand Prix Zagreb

The judokas of Benfica Telma Monteiro, João Martinho and Nuno Saraiva will represent the National team at the Grand Prix Zagreb (Croatia), that will take place between 27 and 29 of July. Diogo César, for Guinea-Bissau, also competes in the event.

The event will be the first for the Olympic qualification and it is a big test for the World Championships that is approaching, as noted by the benfiquista Telma Monteiro.

“It is a Grand Prix and it will be one of the strongest competition so far because for many athletes it will also be the first competition, so it is equivalent to a World Championships. In terms of participation, practically all the strongest athletes of the category are present, but the objective is to score and achieve a place in the podium”, said the judoka to  BTV.

The event will be the first for the Olympic qualification and it is a big test for the World Championships that is approaching, as noted by the benfiquista Telma Monteiro.

“It is a Grand Prix and it will be one of the strongest competition so far because for many athletes it will also be the first competition, so it is equivalent to a World Championships. In terms of participation, practically all the strongest athletes of the category are present, but the objective is to score and achieve a place in the podium”, said the judoka to  BTV.

Nuno Saraiva confesses to be looking forward to starting the competition, in which he places great expectations.

“I am looking forward to start competing. When it is an event for the Olympic qualification, I feel "OK, now it is for real". It is not that other times I do not, but I feel it is an extra motivation, so I have good expectations and I hope to be at my highest level and get where I want to, which is at the top”, he said.

Text: Márcia Dores

Pics: SL Benfica /Archive