CEBU CITY — As the opening of the 2024 Olympics draws near, the provincial government of Cebu has recognized Filipino Japanese judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, who will represent the Philippines in the Paris Games.

This marks her second consecutive appearance at the Olympic Games.

During the Provincial Board session on Monday, board member Glenn Anthony Soco endorsed a resolution commending Watanabe for her achievement.

Soco, before becoming a politician and former news anchor, was an athlete playing volleyball. He is among the Cebuano athletes who were honored during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Palarong Pambansa last Tuesday.

He said the resolution acknowledges Watanabe's dedication and the honor she brings to Cebu.

"Just last week, we handed a resolution to our Cebu volleyball stalwarts, Sisi Rondina and Thea Gagate, who have performed as part of the Alas Pilipinas. In the same manner, we are recognizing Kiyomi Watanabe who has performed exemplary in the field of judo," Soco said.

Watanabe, whose father is Japanese and mother, Irene Sarausad, is from Barangay Labogon in Mandaue City.

Watanabe is currently ranked 92nd in the world in the women's 63 kg category. The 27-year-old judoka secured one of the two continental quotas reserved for Asia.

A seasoned competitor, she boasts a record of four Southeast Asian Games championships and a silver medal from the Asian Games. She aims to improve her Olympic performance after a first-round exit in the Tokyo Olympics.

Her qualification for Paris ensures the Philippines will have a representative in judo for the fourth consecutive Olympics.

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