The Judo clan is also optimistic about its chances. After a hectic two month period during which five of the judokas were involved in intensive training abroad, it is now time to reap the desired fruit.

Association president Envic Galea said they were hoping to recoup the gold medal they had lost in the Malta Games, something which had become regular since the Malta Games in 1993.

Galea said all the judokas taking part in these Games have their chances. “We are not expecting miracles. But we certainly hope to see most of our judokas arriving to the podium. Due to financial limitations, training had to be done in a rather short time instead of the normal two-year preparation, consequently bringing some minor injuries only a few days before the competition,” he said.

Marcon Bezzina, Vicki Licari, Murman Kurcilova, Reuben Micallef and Michael Zahra all stand a good chance, while it will definitely be tough for Yevgeni Ulanov in the 81 kg.