Boniface to compete at Tokyo Olympics

Judo athlete Harriet Boniface will compete at the Tokyo Olympics through tripartite allocation.

The development comes as a timely relief for the promising judo athlete who did not qualify after failing to compete at the World Judo Championship three weeks ago due to visa complications.

According to a statement from Malawi Olympic Committee (MOC), there are three methods of qualification to the Olympic Games and these are direct qualification, for those ranked in the top 16 globally, continental quota and tripartite.

In an interview at the weekend, Boniface said she was excited to be considered for the games.

“I can’t explain my excitement because I had lost hope of competing at the Olympics, having failed to take part at the last qualifying tournament.

“I thank God for His mercy. I am filled with joy. It is amazing,” she said.

Judo Association of Malawi general secretary Osborne Banda said the association is excited that Boniface will compete at the global showcase.

“This is very good news for the judo fraternity and the nation as a whole.

“It is a big motivation for Harriet and a reward for her hardworking spirit,” he said.

Banda said only 24 judo athlete sworldwide have qualified for the Olympics while 20 others have been considered on tripartite allocation.

“So, although hers is not through direct qualification and continental quota, we are still proud that she is among the 20 others that have been picked,” he said.

According to International Judo Federation, if the Olympic Games were held last year, Boniface would have qualified by continental quota, but things turned out differently due to effects of Covid-19.

The Olympic Games will be held from July 23 to August 8.