Opisyal nang makakasama ang Jiu-Jitsu Federation of the Philippines bilang pinakabagong miyembro na National Sports Association (NSA) na kabilang sa organisasyon ng Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

Ito ang sinabi mismo ni Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richie Garcia matapos maging panauhing pandangal sa pinaka-unang aktibidad ng ika-53 miyembro na NSA sa dalawang araw na 2015 Philippine Open na isinasagawa sa Mall of Asia Arena Music Hall.

“Yes, they are now a regular member of the POC but not yet a voting member,” sabi ni Garcia. “They had been recognized by their international federation and had applied for membership two months ago and are now a member of the POC family,” paliwanag pa ni Garcia.

“This is one sports where we Filipinos are capable of winning golds,” sabi pa ni Garcia, patungkol sa tagumpay nina Annie Ramirez at Maybelline Masuda na nagwagi ng gintong medalya sa kanilang paglahok sa Asian Beach Games.

Goodbye PBA? John Amores, tinanggalan na ng professional license!

Kinilala naman ang Jiu-Jitsu Federation bilang bagong miyembro ng POC nitong Nobyembre matapos isumite ang pagkilala mula sa Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at iba pang kinakailangang dokumento.

Iniluklok bilang pangulo ng asosasyon si Choi Cojuangco habang si Jason Lima ang vice-president. Itinalaga bilang secretary- general si Ferdie Agustin habang si Ghia Suarez ang treasurer.

Umabot sa 170 atleta ang nagparehistro sa torneo habang mahigit sa 50 club at organisasyon ang kasali.

“This tournament is actually a selection process for the members of the national team after being recognized by the POC and acknowledged by the PSC,” sabi ni Agustin. “Although, we will have a regional qualifying events in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to look and to discover more talents and popularized more the sports.” (ANGIE OREDO)