Fil-Jap judoka wants to play for Cebu team

CEBU, Philippines - Filipino-Japanese judoka Kenjie Yahata will compete under the banner of the Queen City of the South in the National Judo Championships this April in Manila.

Philippine Judo Federation vice president Atty. Vicente Fernandez received a call from Japan that Yahata, whose mother is from Mambaling, Cebu City, wants to play for Cebu in the annuel event.

“I received a phone call from Japan that Kenjie (Yahata) would love to join the competition this summer and wants to represent Cebu along with his brother and sister,” said Fernandez.

Kenjie Yahata already represented the Philippines in the Asia Youth Exchange.

Fernandez added that PJF president Dave Carter already informed him that he already advised the mother of the Yahata siblings that they should affiliate themselves with the Central Visayas Judo Association before they can see action in the national games.

“They are not affiliated yet as of the moment but they will be coming over this April so that they will affiliate with the CVJA. Yahata siblings’ participation would be an added boost to our organization and we are looking forward in welcoming him in our group,” said Fernandez. – (FREEMAN)