Valois Takes Gold For Canada In Hong Kong

Last weekend, two Canadians would stand on the podium of the Hong Kong Asian Open, with Jacob Valois and Hakim Chala would earn medals for their native land.

Valois would have a perfect day leading to a gold medal in the U66kg category, while Chala would take bronze in his second international senior tournament at U60kg.

Valois, a Boucherville, Quebec product would cap off his trip to Hong Kong by finishing South Korean han Jagwang.

“It’s my first gold medal during an international senior competition, and my first one in Asia!” he said. “It gives me international points, but it mostly shows I’m ready to step up to the next level, and participate in more Grand Prix and Grand Slams. I’ll stay in this category for at least five years, so I’m off to a very, very good start.”

Valois’ road to the finals would see him defeat Australian Nathan Katz, Huang Sheng-Ting from Taipei, and stopping Polish Patryk Wawrzyczek by waza-ari in the semi-finals.

“I made some changes in my grip position. At first it was hard for me, but my coach was convinced it was the right thing to do, and today, we had the confirmation he was right.”

Initial Report: JudoInside