PH judoka Kodo Nakano defeated by Italian at Rio Olympics

MANILA, Philippines – Judoka Kodo Nakano found out less than a week ago that he’d be going to the 2016 Olympics. His stint in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil didn’t last very long, however.

The 23-year-old Fil-Japanese competitor was defeated by Italy’s Matteo Marconcini in the 81kg round of 64 on Tuesday, August 9. Marconcini, 26, held Nakano down for 20 seconds to secure w victory by ippon, or the judo equivalent of a knockout, in just 1:19. 

Nakano, who is based in Japan with his Filipina mother, had represented the Philippines at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games but failed to medal. He entered the match with a world ranking of 133 while Marconcini is ranked 34.

With Nakano out, the Philippines now has 6 Olympians still to perform, including hurdler Eric Cray, long jumper Marestella Torres-Sunang, marathoner Mary Joy Tabal, taekwondo jin Kirstie Alora, swimmer Jasmine Alkhaldi and golfer Miguel Tabuena. – Rappler.com