THREE of the region’s emerging judoka have earned national recognition.

AJ Judo Club trained Rhys Handel’s gold laden form has been rewarded with a place in the Welsh judo squad while later this month the Year Six student will represent Montgomery School in the British Schools Judo Championships in Sheffield.

Meanwhile the talented Lovatt sisters of Llandrinio’s Go Judo Club have also been selected for the Welsh squad which travels to Germany for the Thuringia Cup later this month.

Handel’s national squad call up follows a superb four months of action which saw the youngster claim six gold medals.

Among his triumphs have been the county schools under 38kg title, the Welsh Schools Regional under 38kg title and national under 38kg title.

Handel is a product of the Welshpool and Llanfyllin based AJ Judo Club run by Alan Jones MBE and Sue Jones who have long and distinguished careers as competitors and coaches.

Handel will be raising money for his club with a 14km sponsored cycle ride on Sunday with all proceeds going toward travel and accommodation costs for the British Schools Championship on March 17-18.

Meanwhile Ffion and Seren Lovatt will head to Germany for the Thuringia Cup to be held from March 23-26.

The sisters are both current Welsh champions and members of both the British Judo National Centre of Excellence and the Talent Cymru programme in Cardiff.

Ffion has twice medalled for Wales at the British Schools Games while also claiming silver in the London and North West Open competitions while Seren is a past gold medallist at the British Schools Championship and medal winner at the British Open.

Both have progressed through the Llandrinio-based Go Judo club since it was formed four years ago.

Proud coach Pete Castell said: “Their hard work and dedication to succeed has once again paid off.

“Both girls are funded only by themselves and club where they train twice a week.”