The Ghana Judo Association (GJA) will hold this year’s Japanese Ambassador Judo Championship at the D.J. Hathiramani Sports Hall, Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra from Friday, 23 to Saturday, 24, January. The event is aimed at unearthing talents as well as electing judokas for the national Judo team for the 30th Africa Judo Championship in Mauritius from 23-25, April, 2009. Over 200 Judokas drawn from across the country are expected to participate in the two-day championship, which is under the sponsorship of the Japanese Embassy in Ghana. A statement signed by Patrick Anyidoho, General Secretary of GJA, copied to GNA Sports, said the championship also forms part of activities marking the Japanese Culture Week Celebration. It added that the championship is also to honour the Japanese Ambassador in Ghana and to strengthen the already cordial relationship between Ghana and Japan. Meanwhile the Association will as a prelude to the championship organize a one day seminar for officiating referees on January 22, to update their knowledge on the sport. It said 15 referees are expected to participate in the seminar while a short Judo demonstration would be organised to entertain the fans and invited guests. The event, according to the statement will be under the distinguished patronage of Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Keiichi Katakami and Prince Ernest Oduro-Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of the National Sports Council (NSC). Source: GNA