Sporting CP beat KBR Nalchik to secure podium spot

Sporting CP's judo team claimed a bronze medal in the Golden League this weekend, after getting the better of the Russian outfit KBR Nalchik by a dominating 5-0. Representing Sporting CP in the decisive bout was Sergiu Oleinic (<66kg), Rustam Orujov (<73kg), Anri Egutidze (<81kg), Nikoloz Sherazadishvili (<90kg) and Jorge Fonsesa (>90kg).

Sporting CP also got the better of the hosts Edelweiss Grozny, after having lost their first encounter against Sagaredjo Superstars.

Speaking with the press at the end of the day, Alvalade judo coach Pedro Soares was in a positive mood: "It was a really high level competition, just like it was last year. We lost 3-2 against the Georgian teak in the first round, which we knew was basically the same as the final for us. We did well, but these competitions are really contested and the smallest detail makes the difference."

Coach Pedro Soares affirms Sporting's intentions going into Rio 2016

The coming Olympic Games in Rio 2016 will see a total of four Sporting judokas in action: Joana Ramos (<52kg), Sergiu Oleinic (<66kg), Jorge Fonseca (<100kg) aand Taciana Lima (<48kg).

"The four athletes guaranteed their place in Rio a long time ago, almost a year ago in fact. That is a sign of their quality and consistency, so we are really proud of them", said Pedro Soares in an interview with the Sporting Journal, adding: "You can expect us to fight. I don't like to speak about medals, because that isn't where the athletes' heads need to be. We have prepared well and nobody is carrying any sort of injury. We will expect the best from all of them and we will of course fight for medals."