Penza, 18 February 2016. PenzaNews. The Russian countrywide judo kata competition with athletes from 7 regions has started at “Voeykov” Penza martial arts palace on Thursday, February 18.

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In a welcoming word to the athletes, Alexander Timoschuk, introduced as Assistant Minister of Physical Education and Sports of the Penza region while not having been officially appointed, said it was the first time the region is holding the judo competition of such rank.

“I believe that the skill of the athletes, the head of the fair struggle will continue increasing the popularity of judo in the Penza region and helping the growing generation develop their active position,” he said.

In turn, Denis Matyukhin, head of the mass judo department in the Russian Judo Federation, expressed his gratitude to representatives of the Penza region for excellent event management.

Juniors of both genders born in 1999-2001 will be competing for the medals during the competition. Reportedly, the Penza region will be represented by Roman Kulygin and Nikita Egorkin.

The judo kata competitions are not widespread yet, Vyacheslav Sinelnikov, senior category master of the Russian Judo Federation, told PenzaNews agency.

“We have an anniversary event this time – it is being held only for the tenth time. Mostly, the development is in the Olympic field, the very struggle for the medals, the points, the goals. We have fairly good results in this Olympic discipline. As for judo kata, so far this is not the case,” he explained.

According to earlier reports, the Russian countrywide judo kata championship will take place this weekend, on February 20-21.