FIVE countries have confirmed participation in the East Africa judo championship planned to start in Zanzibar on Saturday.

Official of the Zanzibar Judo Association, Hassan Haji named the national sides for the two-day event as Tanzania Mainland, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya and hosts Zanzibar. "We are prepared to host the event, so far we are not sure of Uganda's participation because it is the only country, which is yet to confirm but there is still room for them to compete," he said.

The countries will be vying for top honours in the region as they will feature in both men and women categories. More competitiveness, he said, is expected in this year's tournament as all teams have bragged to emerge winner.

Burundi finished first last year with 39 medals in a regional judo championship that took place at the Burundian capital Bujumbura. Zanzibar came second with three gold, two silver and two bronze medals. Kenya took the third and last position with one silver and three bronze medals.