Funding remains Judo’s Achilles heel in South Africa

Meuwesen claimed the silver medal in the men's -81kg division, ultimately losing to Amir Daniel Bin Abdul Majeed in the final. 

Speaking upon Team South Africa’s arrival at OR Tambo International airport last night, Meuwsen revealed to SABC Sport that travelling to international competitions is a major financial challenge with costs typically starting at around R45000 upwards…

"Funding will always remain number one because to even get to competitions is a big ask. The thing about Judo is you get there and compete, but if you fall out in the elimination rounds you're out and you might only have had one fight which could've lasted only ten seconds."

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He added that following his achievement at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games he hopes that it will inspire and open doors for other South African Judokas to compete on the world stage. 

"I really believe that this will open doors because there are so many amazing and talented judokas in South Africa, and they are just waiting for their chance, their Commonwealth Games and African Championships to shine."

Meuwsen is a beneficiary of The Bidvest Operation Excellence (Bidvest OPEX) programme, one of South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC’s) flagship initiatives. 

The programme provides comprehensive financial and high-performance support to athletes across multiple sporting codes who have the potential to qualify for and win medals at the highest levels of international competition.

The 24-year-old has thanked SASCOC and the OPEX programme for believing in him and supporting his journey to the Commonwealth Games.