The British Judo Visually Impaired (VI) Team are looking forward to the IBSA European Judo Championships in Odivelas, Portugal from November 25-30.

The team was officially announced today and includes judoka who have medalled at Paralympic, World, European and Grand Prix competitions: Natalie Greenhough (-70kg), Sam Ingram (-90kg), Chris Skelley (-100kg) and Jack Hodgson (+100kg)

The European Championships are the final qualifying competition for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and three of the four strong team are currently sitting in qualifying position going into the competition.

Paralympic Head Coach Ian Johns is confident of success in Portugal:

“The team have prepared very well for the Europeans including a couple of training camps in Belo Horizonte and Scotland. Each member of the team has medalled this year and we’re confident they can go out to Portugal and, if they put in the performances, come away with medals.

“Obviously having a guy like Sam Ingram in the team is great for experience but both Jack Hodgson and Chris Skelley medalled at the World Games in Korea earlier this year and Natalie Greenhough medalled at the Brazil Grand Prix so everybody has that medal winning experience.”

Natalie Greenhough (-70kg)

Age: 21

World ranking: 11

2015 Results: Brazil Grand Prix Bronze

Sam Ingram (-90kg)

Age: 30

World Ranking: 5

2015 Results: IBSA World Games Seoul Silver, Hungary World Cup Gold

Chris Skelley (-100kg)

Age: 22

World ranking: 6

2015 Results: IBSA World Games Seoul Bronze, Brazil Grand Prix Gold,

Jack Hodgson (+100kg)

Age: 19

World ranking: 6

2015 Results: IBSA World Games Seoul Silver, Brazil Grand Prix Silver, Hungary World Cup Bronze