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LONDON -- When the judo events kick off at the Rio de Janeiro games, the home team will send out a defending Olympic champion on the first day of competition.With five other top-ranked judoka on its Olympic team, Brazil has a particularly strong home advantage. Although judo has traditionally been dominated by the Japanese, who created the modern martial art, the combat sport has become truly universal. That means the Japanese team, which won only a single gold medal at London in its worst-ever Olympic showing -- is no longer the favorite.Marius Vizer, president of the International Judo Federation, said he expects to see more unexpected winners at Rio.I think Mongolia will be the big surprise of the Olympic games, he said. Vizer also noted strong fighters from the U.S., Greece, Georgia, France, Russia, Cuba and South Korea. There will also be two refugee competitors, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, competing under the International Olympic Committee flag.Vizer said some rule changes to judo -- including the outlawing of leg grabs -- were made to distinguish the sport from others like wrestling and will hopefully inspire more fighters to attempt the big throws judo is known for. Fights can be won instantly if judoka flip their opponents flat on their back with considerable force and speed.While some have criticized the rule changes arguing that they favor the Japanese style of judo, which focuses on throws rather than the groundwork component of judo, Vizer said the tweaks are necessary to modernize the sport.Countries with a strong wrestling tradition, such as those in Eastern Europe and Brazil, have typically produced judo fighters who win once judo fighters end up on the ground. Thats when competitors struggle to either pin their opponents for 20 seconds or force them to tap out by applying a stranglehold or an armbar, a move where the limb is hyperextended to the point it might break.RETURNING STARFrenchman Teddy Riner is simply the most successful judoka of all time. The 27-year-old heavyweight has won a record eight world championship titles, five European titles and two Olympic medals, including a gold at the London games. At 6-foot-8 inches, Riner strikes an imposing figure on the judo mat but moves surprisingly fast for a heavyweight. Riner tends to dominate by throwing his big right arm over his opponents head to take control of the fight, and very few of his competitors have been able to prevent Riner from securing a dominant grip on their uniforms.BEST RIVALRYAfter becoming the first American to win a judo gold medal, Kayla Harrison will be looking to defend her title in Rio. Her biggest roadblock might be longtime rival Brazilian Mayra Aguiar, who defeated Harrison at a Paris competition earlier this year with a match-ending throw. The two have now fought 16 times -- and split the victories evenly. At a world cup final in Sao Paolo several years ago where Harrison won over Aguiar on penalties, she was booed by the local crowd. Harrison described Brazilian judo fans as wild after the experience. Good thing I dont speak Portuguese, because if I did, I might cry.OLYMPIAN EFFORTTwo judoka athletes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo will be fighting as part of the IOC refugee team in Rio. Yolande Bukasa Mabika will be competing in the womens 70-kilogram division and Popole Misenga will be fighting in the mens 90-kilogram division. The two are currently training in Brazil. Misenga sought asylum in Brazil when he arrived to compete in the world championships being held there and credits the technical training he has received with making him a better fighter.You cant let people think that just because they are refugees, they have to stop what theyre doing, he said. Even though they are refugees, they need to continue practicing their sport.---Rachel Cohen in New York contributed to this report. Mitch Wishnowsky Womens Jersey . The Cleveland Indians, Tampa Bay Rays, and Texas Rangers all won on Sunday meaning the Rangers will host the Rays in a play-in game on Monday. Tom Rathman 49ers Jersey . Varlamov made 33 saves and Ryan OReilly had a goal and scored in the shootout as the Avalanche beat the New Jersey Devils 2-1 on Thursday night. http://www.49ersrookiestore.com/49ers-Ya-Tittle-Jersey/ . Defenceman Yannick Weber scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period and the Canucks breathed a sigh of relief with a 2-1 win on Saturday night. Y.A. Tittle Womens Jersey . -- There were so many positives from the Orlando Magics first victory of the season that it was hard for coach Jacque Vaughn to stop praising his players. George Kittle Jersey . Houston won 3-0 to advance to face New York in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Last in the game, Di Vaio and Romero got into a shoving match with several Houston players. Romero appeared to elbow and kick Houston defender Kofi Sarkodie.Louis van Gaal refused to be drawn on his future as speculation linking Jose Mourinho with Manchester United intensified. No sooner had United lifted the FA Cup after a dramatic extra-time victory over Crystal Palace, Sky Sports News HQ reported the former Chelsea boss was set to replace Van Gaal at Old Trafford.But, speaking at his post-match press conference, Van Gaal - who lauded the trophy in front of the media in attendance - snubbed the chance to discuss whether his time with United could be coming to an end. I show you the cup and I dont discuss that [my future] with my friends in the media, who have already sacked me for six months, he said.Which [other] manager can do what I have done? I dont want to talk about leaving.Jesse Lingards stunning volley guided United to their first piece of silverware since Sir Alex Fergusons retirement in 2013, yet the victory was overshadowed by the revelations surrounding Van Gaals future. Manchester United are set to appoint Jose Mourinho, according to Sky sources Despite this, the United boss spoke of his pride at emulating the clubs legendary manager with a first FA Cup final triumph since 2004.ddddddddddddI said when I started as manager that we were in a process of transition, Van Gaal added. I have already said that a lot of times in press conferences.I have to refresh my selections in my squad and I have done it in spite of the many injuries this season. We are fifth in the race and now we have lifted a cup. Jesse Lingard of Manchester United celebrates the FA Cup-winning goal That is a title and it was three years ago that United had a title. I am very proud that I am the first manager after the period of Sir Alex Ferguson [to win a trophy]. I have had a picture with him, that is history.Asked whether he would be at United next season, Van Gaal added: I have signed a three-year deal so you never know. Also See: Mourinho to replace Van Gaal Lingard stunner seals Cup glory Man Utd video Man Utd fixtures ' ' '