KIYOMI Watanabe is set to compete in the Tokyo Olympics, earning a place via continental quota, the International Judo Federation confirmed on Wednesday.
Watanabe got the nod and will see action in the women’s -63 kilogram category.
The Filipino-Japanese judoka born in Cebu will make her debut in the Olympics after winning four gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games.
The 24-year-old Watanabe is at No. 41 in the Olympic rankings with 1,506 points.
Philippine Judo Federation (PJF) president Dave Carter also confirmed the development after the IJF submitted the confirmation to the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).
“The IF wrote to POC president Bambol Tolentino about her qualification and the POC needs to send confirmation that yes, Kiyomi will participate,” said Watanabe.
Watanabe joined the list of Filipino judokas who previously competed in the Olympics, including John Baylon, Jerry Dino, Benjie McMurray, Tomohiko Hoshina, and Kodo Nakano.
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