An Iraqi judoka who will represent his country in the Athens Olympics next month began two weeks of training in Tokyo on Monday.
"This is an opportunity I have dreamed of," Hadir Lazame, 29, told a news conference through an interpreter. "I hope to be in my best condition for the Athens Games."
Lazame, who will participate in the 100-kg and over class, arrived Sunday night with his Iraqi coach, Radi Radi. He was invited here as part of the government's efforts to support Iraq's reconstruction process.