Tatsuru Saito: I am sure I can win the World Championships

Tatsuru Saito the heavyweight of Japan’s men’s national team for the Doha World Judo Championships 2023, is convinced he can win the Worlds at 13 May in Doha. E-Judo spoke to Japan’s hope for the heavyweight title.

I have no injuries, and I have been able to practice hard. If I continue like this, I think I can definitely win the World Championships. My body is getting leaner. My current weight is about 167 kilograms. At the World Masters last December, I weighed about 170 kilograms. It would not be good to lose too much weight and lose strength, but I intend to compete at about 165 kilograms. It is not good to reduce the weight too quickly, so I am reducing it gradually.

E-Judo: Did you have a Randori with Teddy Riner at the training camp? How did you feel about it?

I asked him to train with me. I can’t say much from a technical standpoint, but I thought he had great stamina. I think there is an aspect of his judo in which he does not use his own stamina, but rather reduces his opponent’s physical and mental strength. Currently, there is a huge gap in competitiveness between me and him. However, It’s not an insurmountable difference. And I am sure that also Riner is not in his best condition right now. I think he will bring his best condition to the Paris Olympics. Assuming that, I am determined to surpass him at the Paris Olympics. I am glad that he gave me energy and that through practice I was able to find issues that I need to overcome.

E-Judo: What are your ambitions for the World Championships?

I have to win the Doha World Championships even if it costs me my life, because I have to prepare for the Paris Olympics next year. I don’t care about the details. It doesn’t matter if I can’t play a spectacular match. I am determined to win, even if it is a tough, hard-fought match. I want to win by giving everything I have practiced and everything I am capable of.

Read the full interview at E-Judo's website