Japan aims to win four golds in the men's judo competition at the 21st Universiade, Japanese coach Hirotaka Okada said here on Thursday. "I think we can win four gold medals in the men's competition." said Okada with full confidence. The Japanese men's team consists of eight judokas, including three medalists in last year's World Judo Championships and a junior world champion. Okada foresees tough challenges from Russia in the heavyweight categories, noting "newly-crowned world champion Mikhaylin Alexandre is their main rival." Alexandre snatched two golds in the men's over 100kg and open divisions in the World Judo Championships held last month in Munich, Germany. Okada said Cuba and South Korea are also very strong in some categories. "But I have confidence in my team." He added. The judo competition, which has drawn a record 363 judokas from 66 countries and regions, runs from August 23 to 27, with a total of 18 golds on offer. (Xinhua News Agency 08/23/2001)
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