Fil-Japanese judoka makes it to London

MANILA, Philippines - Add Filipino-Japanese judoka Tomohiko Hoshina to the short list of Filipino athletes going to the London Olympics.

Just days after shotgun shooter Brian Rosario booked his ticket to the London Games set July 27-Aug. 12, the 25-year-old Hoshina followed suit.

It brings to seven the number of Filipino athletes vying in the Olympics, counting boxer Mark Anthony Barriga, two each from swimming and athletics, Rosario and Hoshina.

Manny Lopez, chef-de-mission of the Philippine delegation to London, said swimming has yet to name its entries, while long jumper Marestella Torres among the two for athletics.

“I am elated by the addition of Tomohiko Hoshina to our team. I’m sure his association will leave no stone unturned in helping him prepare for the Olympics,” said Lopez of the judoka, a silver medalist for the Philippines in the 2007 SEA Games in Thailand.

Judo coach Loreta Mendoza yesterday announced the inclusion of Hoshina, whose mother is Filipina, to the London-bound Philippine team.

“It was relayed to us by the International Judo Federation, and in the final list of entries to London, his name is already there,” said Mendoza.

Hoshina did not qualify outright to London, but will go there through what is called continental allocation. There are 20 allocations in judo.

Mendoza, however, said not every Tom, Dick and Harry can avail of the allocation because there’s a certain mark or points needed just to be considered.

And the only way to earn those points is to compete in the World Championship, World Grand Prix and World Cup in judo or the Continental and Asian championships.

Hoshina, who competes in the 100 kg division, competed in these events, and is in the top 20 in Asian in his division, according to Mendoza.

Lopez, former chief of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines, said they see to it Hoshina gets the needed attention as he prepares for the Olympics.

Mendoza said Hoshina might stay in Japan where he is based, but he may be open to the possibility of training elsewhere if funded by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Chairman Richie Garcia of the PSC was delighted by the news of Hoshina’s inclusion to the Olympic team.

“This is good news for us. And we’re hoping that a couple more is added to the list in the next few days,” he said.