Dancesport, karate make POC roster

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) will induct Karate Pilipinas and Dancesport Council of the Philippines as regular members when the Olympic body convenes its general assembly for the first time this year on Friday.

“We have been recognized by the World Karate Federation since November 2018 and also the Asian Karate Federation. I’m looking forward to it (POC recognition),’’ said Richard Lim, Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation Inc. president.

More than that, karate will be making its maiden appearance in the postponed Tokyo Olympics next year. It was one of five sports added to the program of the Games, which will run from July 23 to Aug. 8, 2021, with eight gold medals (two for kata and six for kumite) at stake.

Southeast Asian Games champions Jamie Christine Lim (women’s +61 kilograms) and Junna Tsukii (-50 kg) are closing in on a Tokyo ticket.

Dancesport, meanwhile, was a powerhouse performer in last year’s SEA Games, which the country hosted in December—winning 10 gold medals.