Athletes compete during National Judo Championships to represent Canada at Worlds
View image in full screen
A Judoka throws their opponent during the National Judo Championships. Drew Stremick / Global News
Former Olympian and CEO of Judo Canada Nicolas Gill says there's nothing quite like the sport of judo.
Story continues below advertisement
'It's fun, it's intense, it's challenging,' says Gill. 'Every fight is a new story, so you don't get bored.'
View image in full screen
Former Olympian and Judo Canada CEO speaks with Global News. Drew Stremick / Global News
The competition was anything but boring as judoka (judo athletes) took to each of the five mats. Gill says that for these athletes who are getting the chance to begin their international careers, these moments will stick with them.
Get breaking National news
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
'Every first, every new step you accomplish, you get this feeling,' Gill says with a smile. 'You know, 'I'm there! What's next?''
Emiliya Aliyeva from Calgary won gold and silver respectively for her weight class in the U18 and U21 competitions.
View image in full screen
Emiliya Aliyeva won gold and silver during the weekend competition, earning her spot to represent Canada in August. Drew Stremick / Global News
'I just got told that I'm qualified for the cadet world champions,' Aliyeva says excitedly. 'From the start of the year I said, 'My goal is to get to worlds this year,' and I'm really glad I accomplished that.'
Story continues below advertisement
Coming off a knee injury, Aliyeva explains how during her matches she's always looking for ways to maximize her points. The need to think strategically helped fuel her passion that was passed down from her dad.
'I love the strategy that it takes, and how you have to think before you do, but also do while you think,' says Aliyeva. 'My dad did judo, he was here for the past two days, and he's always there to support me and drive me everywhere… he's one of my biggest inspirations.'
Those who qualified for the world championship over the weekend will head to Sofia, Bulgaria, in August.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
2 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Shubman Gill named vice-captain as India announces Asia Cup squad
MUMBAI, India (AP) — Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain as India's Asia Cup squad was announced on Tuesday. Gill, who is India's test captain, scored 754 runs across five tests in England where a thrilling series ended in a 2-2 tie. He had last played a T20 against Sri Lanka in July 2024, when coach Gautam Gambhir took up the job. Since then, India has experimented in the T20 arena with Suryakumar Yadav as skipper. Gill, who leads Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League, scored 650 runs in the 2025 season and couldn't be ignored further after his success in England. 'He was the vice-captain when we last played in Sri Lanka and the new T20 cycle had begun. However, we got busy with test cricket and he didn't get opportunities (in T20s). We are happy to have him back,' said Yadav, who has been retained as skipper. India and Pakistan resume cricket ties The 2025 Asia Cup will be played in the United Arab Emirates from Sept. 9. Dubai and Abu Dhabi will host the 19 matches, with the Dubai International Stadium hosting the final on Sept. 28. The tournament will also mark a resumption of cricket ties between India and Pakistan – after escalating military tensions earlier this year with both the IPL and the Pakistan Super League halted briefly. India and Pakistan will first meet in Group A on Sept. 14, with another game slated for the next round – Super Four – potentially on Sept. 21. Both matches will be played in Dubai. There could be a third possible clash in the final, if both sides make it that far in the tournament. Bumrah back, Iyer and Jaiswal miss out Pacer Jasprit Bumrah returns to the T20 squad for the first time since the 2024 World Cup. He played only three tests on the English tour because of fitness and workload management. Shreyas Iyer, who led Punjab Kings to the 2025 IPL final and scored 604 runs in 17 games, is one of the two big names to miss out. Iyer had played a stellar role in India's 2025 Champions Trophy win in March. Yashasvi Jaiswal also missed out – the left-handed opener had scored 411 runs in five tests against England and 559 runs for Rajasthan Royals in the 2025 IPL. However, there was no place for a fourth opening option in the Indian squad after Gill's inclusion. 'It is unfortunate (to leave Jaiswal out). With what Abhishek Sharma has done over the last year or so with the bat, and he gives us a bowling option as well, one of these guys was always going to miss out,' chief selector Ajit Agarkar said. 'It's the same with Iyer – no fault of his, but who will he replace?' Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh will form the middle order for India, leaving Iyer out. Jitesh Sharma is included as the second keeper-batter option after Sanju Samson, but it isn't clear who will open the innings for India given Gill's inclusion. 'The captain and the coach will take a call on the best balance for the team,' Agarkar said. 'Once we get to Dubai, we will have a bit more clarity on the conditions. There are more options available to us – Shubman is in great form, as is Sanju. So we have two good options along with Abhishek.' Spinners Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, along with pacers Bumrah, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh complete the bowling core for India. Neutral venue The 2025 Asia Cup is officially hosted by India. Under an Asian Cricket Council decision, the tournament is held in a neutral venue whenever India or Pakistan is the host. The 2023 Asia Cup (played in ODI format) was split between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with the latter hosting all Indian games along with the final. ___ India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah. ___ AP cricket:
Global News
13 hours ago
- Global News
Illegal event parking, drinking, littering frustrates Rossdale residents
Residents in Rossdale are frustrated after a sporting event at Re/Max Field on Sunday spilled into their neighbourhood with public intoxication, open alcohol consumption, littering and illegal parking. The event was called the Kabbadi Cup, a sport similar to full-contact tag. Organizers tell Global News 9,000 people attended, calling it a success. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy However, those who call the neighbourhood around Re/Max Field home feel differently. They say the event participants were disrespectful, tailgating in front of their homes and leaving big messes behind. The Edmonton Riverhawks have leased out the public baseball diamond from the City of Edmonton and rent out the space to other groups. Riverhawks' Steve Hogel said he was disappointed in what transpired Sunday, adding the Kabbadi Cup would not be welcome back. For more details, watch the story above.
Global News
4 days ago
- Global News
Whoop-Up Days security top of mind as preparations continue
Preparations are in full swing ahead of the 2025 edition of Whoop-Up Days, Lethbridge, Alta.'s biggest event of the year. Everything from the midway to rodeo grounds needs to be set up before the Aug. 19 launch of the event. 'If you're down in the area over this weekend, you'll see a lot of action going on,' said Paul Kingsmith, director of event development at Lethbridge and District Exhibition. He says it's the best time of year for everyone involved in Whoop-Up Days because the hard work is finally paying off. 'When all the preparations turn into a reality, we're just so excited as a team to get this going.' Another exciting factor is the increase in early ticket sales, which Kingsmith says could be a sign of things to come. Story continues below advertisement 'In some of the early indications, we were nearly triple where we were last year, so probably good that people are maybe looking in on it a little earlier than they have in past years, but also just a good indication that the community is really excited for this event,' he said. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy However, Kingsmith also understands the value of security when hosting tens of thousands of people at one location. 'It's one of the things that we start talking about right from the planning of the event, right until (Friday) morning when we were meeting with our security teams and working through pieces. We try to provide a very safe and fun environment, making sure you don't have to worry about anything happening once you're here.' While there will be metal detectors, security staff, bag checks and more, Lethbridge police will also be on site throughout the festival. 'There will be officers doing foot patrols in the area on the grounds and if anybody has any complaints, they can contact one of those officers or reach out to our dispatch centre at 403-328-4444,' said Sgt. Ryan Darroch of the downtown police unit. He says the biggest concerns in the past have been the smuggling in of drugs, alcohol and weapons, like bear spray or knives. 'We had a number of seizures last year and a number of arrests. They came from people making poor decisions, so we just want people to show up prepared and to limit the number of incidents that we're going to deal with on the fair grounds.' Story continues below advertisement As a result of the strict security measures, Darroch says it's important for people to understand what is — and isn't — allowed inside. 'I know a lot of really good people who carry their grandfather's folding knife on their belt, things like that. (Those types of items) need to stay home so it doesn't get confiscated at the door. Our goal is just to have a happy and safe event.' Whoop-Up Days officially launches with the parade on Tuesday morning, but there are several pancake breakfasts and other events starting as early as Monday.
