Oates set to compete at first European Games in Baku

The Kumo Judo Club athlete can start preparing for the event, which will staged in Baku, Azerbaijan from June 12, after celebrating the news while at an international training camp in Hungary.

However, the British champion, who has been inactive since a knee injury sustained back in January will first have to turn his attentions to this weekend as he makes his return in Croatia for a Grand Prix tournament.

Following that,Oates will move on to Baku and the site of the European Games to take part in an Olympic qualifying Grand Slam tournament.

n Meanwhile, there has been bad news for club-mate and visually impaired bronze medallist Jonathan Drane, who is set for a lengthy lay-off with injury.

Drane could be set to face nine months out after suffering a knee injury while in Edinburgh.

n There was however cause for celebration for the club at the weekend as Steve Harmer passed a gruelling examination to win his third Dan blackbelt.

The club now boasts two fourth Dans, two third Dans, two second Dans and a host of first Dan black belt players.