NAGOYA – As the country continues to produce jiu jitsu world champions, the Philippines is set to host two major jiu jitsu competitions next year.
The Philippines is set to welcome Asia's top jiu jitsu athletes after being officially confirmed as host of the 2027 Asian Championships and Asian Youth Championships.
Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, alongside Jiu Jitsu Federation of the Philippines officials, received the symbolic emblem from the Jiu Jitsu Asian Union on Friday.
The contract signing and turnover of the emblem comes following the formal confirmation of the country's hosting of the tournaments.
"Binigyan nila po kami ng trophy at contract signing. So this seals the deal. We will be hosting the event from May 2 to 9," Jiu Jitsu Federation of the Philippines Secretary General TJ Sulit told POC Media.
"Important na mapunta sa atin yung hosting ng Asian Championships dahil napapalaki natin at napapalakas natin ang mga athletes natin ng jiu jitsu sa Pilipinas," he added.
Just like in previous hosting of major competitions in other sports, this aims to provide an opportunity for Filipino jiu jitsu athletes to compete on home soil while showcasing the country's growing presence in the sport.
"Pag dito po natin sa Pilipinas i-host ng event, mas marami pa po mga atleta natin na makakalahok sa mga palaro na ito. Pag mas nakakalahok yung mga atleta natin, mas tumataas po yung level ng jiu jitsu sa Pilipinas at mas gumagaling po tayo sa world stage," Sulit explained.
"So with these events and these projects, we are aiming to strengthen the program of jiu jitsu for the entire nation," he added.
Both competitions are scheduled to take place in May 2027, marking another hosting for the Philippines of a major international sporting event.
The Jiu Jitsu Federation of the Philippines is now calling on all athletes to compete in the national trials in February, which will serve as a pathway for the Asian Championships.