(Beijing, November 14) This morning, one day before the "Good Luck Beijing" 2007 Beijing Judo Open, the Chinese national judo team had pre-event training at the warm-up venue of the University of Science and Technology Beijing Gymnasium. After the training session Fu Guoyi, head of the team's coaching group, admitted that how to adjust the judoists' psychology turned out to be the most difficult task in the competitive sport.

The 2007 Beijing Judo Open has drawn a total of 114 athletes from 16 member associations of the International Judo Federation (IJF). According to the rules there will be two weight categories each for men and women. The numbers of participants are limited to 24 in each women's class and 32 in each men's. As a result, 46 foreign judoists have entered their names and China has fielded 68, most of whom from the national team for intensified training.
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Fu Guoyi said that on the one hand the Chinese team will enjoy all the advantages of competing on home soil and on the other hand it will be a good opportunity for the team, especially for those newcomers, to gain experience for the coming World Judo Team Championships.

According to Fu, since Beijing was awarded the 2008 Olympic Games, the national sports authorities, including the General Administration of Sport, the Weightlifting, Wresting and Judo Administrative Center, and the team coaches have meant to reduce the pressure from the national team, particularly from those top judoists. In Fu's views, it will be wise to get prepared for more difficulties and challenges when competing on home soil. Fu believed that despite enjoying the favorable climate and geographical position and the support of the people the Chinese athletes will feel great pressure in front of a huge, enthusiastic home crowd. In the competitive sport, he noted, the most difficult task is how to adjust the athletes' psychology. As to the techniques, he felt it would not be a big problem. "We will do everything to help the athletes get well prepared for the Olympic challenges," Fu added.