With a collection of five gold medals from the 30th Southeast Asian Games, jiu jitsu fighters welcome the inclusion of the sport in the calendar of events in the SEA Games in Vietnam next year.
Annie Ramirez, a veteran national team campaigner, said this is proof that the combat sport of jiu jitsu is accepted in the region since Southeast Asian fighters are world-class athletes.
“Madami na din sa Southeast Asian ang nagko-compete and nananalo sa iba’t ibang tournaments abroad like world championships, kaya masaya and napasama uli ang Jiu Jitsu,” said Ramirez.
“Because of that, we’re excited and we’re already looking forward to the 2021 Southeast Asian Games… sana nga 2021 na para makapag-compete na uli kami, nakaka-miss na din.”
The SEAG Federation Executive Council included Jiu Jitsu, together with esports, triathlon and bowling during a recent online meeting to the of list events for the 2021 SEA Games.
In the last SEA Games the country hosted, the Philippines Team captured five of the 11 gold medals at stake – three of seven in the men’s division and two of four in the women’s category.
Ramirez ruled the 55kg while Meggie Ochie dominated the 45kg.
In the men’s side, Carlo Angelo Pena won the gold medal in the 56kg, Adrian Guggenheim triumphed in the 77kg and Dean Michael Roxas took the title in the 86kg.
Ramirez said that they are eager to return to face-to-face training.
Although for now, they are following the government protocols of online training since there is danger of beinf infected with the coronavirus, which forced lockdown on governments and suspended sports events.
“Talagang sa ngayon puro kami online training, kanya-kanya na muna kami ng workout since wala pa namang go signal from the government. Pero excited na din talaga kami maka-balik,” said Ramirez.
Next year’s SEA Games is set November 21 to December 2.