MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Judo Federation has retained only six athletes as members of its national team as it tries to find space for young, promising judokas.

“We will keep athletes capable of winning medals and give young potential athletes the chance to join the national team,” said a member of the coaching staff who requested anonymity because he is not in position to issue a statement.

The source said the federation will be conducting a nationwide tournament to discover new talents.

To stay as national athletes are Nancy Quillotes, Gilbert Ramirez, Dennis Catipon, Helen Dawa, Jenielou Mosqueda and Fil-Japanese Kiyomi Watanabe.

All were medalists in last November’s Indonesia Southeast Asian Games where Quillotes won gold and the rest, bronze medals.

“We will reinvigorate and reenergize judo because foreign competitions like the SEAG are getting tougher. We have to be competitive and at par with our foreign counterparts,” the source said.

“We will get athletes in the caliber of John Baylon. Baylon is the heart and soul of the team. He is no longer with us,” the source added.

A two-time Olympian and seven-time Asian Gamer, Baylon failed to win his 10th consecutive gold medal in the SEAG in Indonesia and announced his retirement following his defeat.