Jiujitsu champ gets hero’s welcome, eyes ASIAD

MANILA, Philippines — Fresh from her triumph in the London leg of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World Tour, Filipina jiujitsu champ Meggie Ochoa received a hero’s welcome from supporter NLEX and vowed to strive harder for excellence in her next competitions such as the coming Asian Games.

Ochoa was feted by her NLEX family, led by Rod Franco, president and CEO of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., together with Philippine Olympic Committee secretary general Pato Gregorio last night in Pasig City after winning the gold in London.

“Sobrang thank you, I know all of this is from God, He’s aligning everything and things are really falling into place and hopefully, all of us, not just me but the jiujitsu team and the entire Philippine delegation can really bring honor to the country and most of all to God,” said a delighted Ochoa.

The Pinay champ said to prepare for the Asiad, where she’s tipped as the favorite, she and the national team will compete in a number of tournaments, including the Abu Dhabi World Tour legs. She likewise plans to train in the US again before the Asian meet campaign.

NLEX, without much fuzz, has been supporting Ochoa since 2016.

“We’re really proud of our support to Meggie because in our small way, we’re able to help her accomplish a lot for the country,” said Franco. “I hope, through the help of media, we can generate a bit more support for Meggie, especially now she’s in the program of the Asian Games and hopefully in the Olympics someday.”

Gregorio also urged Ochoa and her fellow athletes to focus on training and let officials like him take care of the problems of politics in sports.

“The most important personality in the Phl sports organization is the athlete, supported by NSA leaders, the PSC and sponsors,” said Gregorio. “Our role is to make sure we unite, make sure the athlete is not distracted and stays focused...If people see we are one and united, a lot of sponsors will support Phl sports, and the athletes.”