JASON, MICHELLE, LAMULELA JUDO’S BEST

MBABANE – Judoka Jason Martin stole the show at the grading awards evening and dinner on Friday night.

The awards hosted by the Swaziland Judo Federation (SJF) were held at the Mbabane Theatre Club.
Martin received the most prestigious award which the federation’s Secretary General, Tertius Esterhuysen, described to have very little to do with an artist’s performance inside the ring but more with discipline and dedication.

Martin was honoured with the Sportsman of The Year award.
“There are about eight judo values and principles a judoka must adhere to and this artist has done almost all to respect and conform to these values,” said Esterhuysen before handing over the award.

Interviewed after the event, Martin said he did not expect the recognition and was very much humbled.
“I was not expecting this; everything I have done was out of love for judo. The sensei and his family have been amazing to me and I am very grateful for the honour,” said the green belt-holder.

The event was graced by the federation’s President, Princess Thobile, with her executive members.
awarded
Other notable judokas who were awarded on the evening included the president’s daughter, Lamulela Magagula, who received the Junior Sportswoman of The Year award.

Esterhuysen said this phenomenal judoka has never lost a match since she started playing the sport at age five. She has represented the country in several international tournaments to come back home with silverware. She is a nominee in the National Sports Awards.

Michelle Shen, another national sports awards nominee, was also outstanding as she received the Senior Sportswoman of The Year award. She has also brought back gold medals from international tournaments she represented the Kingdom of Eswatini in.

The development team, comprising Usutu Forest School, who recently represented the country in South Africa, bringing home five gold medals and three silver medals, also made a stop on the podium to claim gongs.

All the other judokas were given certificates of recognition according to the colour of their belts.
The president congratulated all the judokas for their hard work and dedication. The princess thanked Esterhuysen for his hard work in grooming young judokas. She also received a token of appreciation from the federation which was handed over by the secretary general.

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