Fil-Jap Golf Champion Yuka Saso selects to become Japanese citizen
Not long ago, Yuka Saso was named as the first Filipino to have won a major golf tournament at the 76th U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship last June. The Fil-Jap athlete also represented the Philippines in the Tokyo Olympics. But given her dual citizenship, she recently revealed that she would choose Japanese citizenship.
‘It is true that I chose the Japanese citizenship,’ Saso said in a press conference on Thursday as per Kyodo News. According to Japanese law, the 20-year-old has two years left to pick her nationality since dual citizens have to select one by the age of 22.
Saso has a Japanese father and a Filipino mother and grew up in both countries. She explained, ‘No matter which one I choose, I am both Japanese and Filipino.’
Saso has represented the country in many international tournaments. Earlier in October, she achieved her career-best world ranking when she climbed to the 5th spot in the Rolex women’s rankings. Her last competition was at the Founders’ Cup in New Jersey where she finished fourth.
A few moments after the news broke out, Twitter users shared their thoughts on Saso’s decision. Most people still showed their appreciation for how she chose to represent the Philippines, while others find it saddening since the country is about to lose another great athlete. Fil-Am chess player Wesley So, a three-time and the current U.S. Chess Champion, officially became a US citizen on February 26, 2021.
Japan does not allow dual citizenship after the age of 22.
Good luck Yuka and thank you for representing the Philippines. #YukaSaso
— Umi Bear (@umi112211) November 4, 2021
It's just unfortunate that Filipino-Japanese golfer Yuka Saso has to choose her citizenship but we have to cherish what she has given to the country – gold medals, trophy, awards, honors, etc – and I hope she delivers more for the Filipino nation before she turns 22
— Melvin Sarangay (@MelvinSarangay) November 4, 2021
Yuka Saso's decision to choose Japanese citizenship was made after discernment with many factors involved but I don't think the decision had anything to do with what's amiss in Phil sports. Let's continue to cheer for her and salute her triumphs.
— sev sarmenta (@sportssev) November 3, 2021
Sad reality in Philippine Sports. After Wesley So, Yuka Saso changed citizenship.
— Arce B Elape (@rce213) November 3, 2021
You can’t blame her for choosing a country that has/will treat her well https://t.co/p1zqXmOSyo
— Kiko Demigillo (@kikodemigillo19) November 3, 2021
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The post <b> Fil-Jap Golf Champion Yuka Saso selects to become Japanese citizen</b> appeared first on WE THE PVBLIC.
Source: we the pvblic
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