Competing in the Under-154 lb division, Gomes, a member of the Rising Sun Judo Club defeated his opposition to win the title and because of his outstanding performance, the Technical/Grading Committee of the GJA made an on-the-spot promotion.

Imran Mohamed of the House of Water Judo Club finished second in this division.

In other results from the day’s activity, (Verol Williams (House of Water) won the Over-154 division ahead of Winston Stuart (Rising Sun) and Vernon Williams (House of Water) respectively, while in the Open category, Bruce Fraser (Rising Sun) came out on top over Verol Williams and Vernon Williams (both of House of Water) respectively.

Referees for the events were Senseis Charles Ambrose, Berkeley Charles, Bruce Fraser and William Arthur.

Meanwhile, the GJA is hoping to send a team of six judokas to represent Guyana in Boa Vista, Brazil, at the ‘Copa Takashi Hagui Hara’ Judo championships set for April 25.

These competitions will be used to identify talented judokas who are put on a special training programme as part of the GJA plans – (short term) to represent Guyana at various Regional and International Judo competitions during 2009, and (long-term) for possible participation in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.