Filipino-Japanese judo star qualifies for 2021 Olympics

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Filipino-Japanese judo athlete Kiyomi Watanabe just earned her seat for the upcoming 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Watanabe received the good news came after the International Judo Federation released the official names that will vie for the podium finish at Tokyo.

The 24-year-old judoka clinched her spot after recording an impressive 1,506 total points in the women’s -63 kg category through the continental quota.

It was a long-time coming for the prized judoka after dominating during the last Southeast Asian Games with four gold medals won.

The pivotal tournament that Watanabe joined was the 2019 World Championships held at Nippon Budokan.

During the prized Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Watanabe racked a total of 320 points in just a single outing.

Watanabe will be joining Hidilyn Diaz, Elreen Ando, Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial, Irish Magno, Nesthy Petecio, Caloy Yulo, EJ Obiena, Kurt Barbosa, Cris Nievarez, Margielyn Didal, Jayson Valdez, and Juvic Pagunsan in representing team PH for the Olympics.