Yuka Saso choosing Japan will not hold back Philippines golf, says chief
- US Women’s Open champion announced that she will choose Japanese citizenship
- NGAP are ‘sad’ but ‘very proud’ of 20-year-old who won two golds for country at 2018 Asian Games and went to Tokyo 2020
The head of the National Golf Association of the Philippines has expressed his pride at US Women’s Open winner Yuka Saso as the golfer chose to represent Japan but said her decision will not stop the development of the sport in the country.
“First, we are sad that she is made to make such a difficult decision. But Japanese law is specific on citizenship and it is what it is,” NGAP secretary general Bones Floro told Channel 5’s Martie Bautista, with the reporter tweeting the statement.
Saso, 20, made her breakthrough with a win at Olympic Club in June and went on to represent the Philippines at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games this summer, finishing ninth.
Earlier this week both Japanese and Philippines media reported that the golfer – whose father is Japanese – would be choosing to be a Japanese citizen.
“It is true that I chose the Japanese citizenship,” Saso said during a press conference on Wednesday ahead of the Toto Japan Classic in Shiga, as reported by Japan’s Kyodo News.
“I thought about it and I will eventually choose it,” she added ahead of the tournament which runs from November 4-7.