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Kiyomi Watanabe to search for next judo star

Sports

Kiyomi Watanabe to search for next judo star

By Mark Rey Montejo

At A Glance

Kiyomi Watanabe wants to pay it back and help the younger generation as she plans to hold judo clinics in different parts of the country.

Kiyomi Watanabe wants to pay it back and help the younger generation as she plans to hold judo clinics in different parts of the country.

Fil-Japanese judoka Kiyomi Watanabe (AP)

While she prepares for another journey toward Los Angeles 2028, the 27-year-old Watanabe will try to search for potential talents with the help of her parents, Irene and Shigeru.

“We have plans, sa Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, together with Kiyomi,” said Irene who served as interpreter for her daughter.

“[Tuloy parin] training nya, together with her coaching clinic," Irene added.

The pride of Labogon, Mandaue City plans to start her program next year then select aspirants who will be flown to Japan for further training.

Irene Watanabe will hire Japanese coaches for the young judokas who could be the next Kiyomi -- an Asian Games silver medalist and four-time SEAG champion.

“Dito muna kami, kukuha kami kung sino pwedeng maging ‘the next’,” Irene added.

Kiyomi suffered an early exit in the French capital, yielding to China’s Tang Jing, who is ranked No. 22 in the world, via ippon in the opening round.

However painful the result was, Kiyomi is eager to bounce back.

“Gustong-gusto nya talaga makabalik sa Los Angeles kasi ‘yon na ‘yong parang last niya sa Olympics,” Irene added.

Related Tags

kiyomi watanabe Paris 2024

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