Top Judo official lands rare honour
KUCHING: Francis Chan’s involvement with judo goes back some 30 years.
In the past decade he has also served as Sarawak Judo Association ( SJA) president. His unparalleled contributions has caught the attention of officials from the land which gave birth to the ancient sport.
Yesterday, he received the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation Award for his role in enhancing relations between Sarawak and Japan through judo.
The award gives recognition to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries.
Chan, who is also The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo senior managing editor, was honoured in a simple yet meaningful ceremony held in a leading hotel here. Embassy of Japan in Malaysia deputy chief of mission Hiroyuki Orikasa, who presented the award yesterday, revealed that it was a recognition normally accorded to high ranking officials. It is rarely given out to sports officials.
“He is a journalist but every week he never misses judo training and practice.
“The embassy appreciates his contributions in judo and recommended him to this year’s Foreign Minister’s Commendation Award,” he told those who attended the ceremony.
Orikasa explained that Chan was deemed deserving of the award because his long involvement as a Judo practitioner, teacher and administrator is not for his own benefit but rather of a voluntary nature to benefit others.
He expressed the hope that young judo practitioners would
He is a journalist but every week he never misses judo training and practice. The embassy appreciates his contributions in judo and recommended him to this year’s Foreign Minister’s Commendation Award.
Hiroyuki Orikasa
follow Chan’s footsteps in promoting the sport.
Meanwhile, Chan remarked that he was honoured but humbled by the recognition.
He took pains to pay tribute to others who have contributed to the development of judo in Sarawak such as former instructor Goh Siew Hong.
Touching briefly on judo’s history in the state, he highlighted milestones such as the 2002 Sukma when the Sarawak team created a major upset by emerging champion which led to judo attracting the attention of the Sarawak Sports Council.
Looking to the future Chan said SJA is planning to go to Sibu and Miri to expand its pool of talent.
He is optimistic about Sarawak’s chances for next year’s Johor Sukma although many state exponents are now over the age limit.
The squad which has started training early, he said, “are mostly new players ... but with training for one year or so, there is chance to win medals.”
Among those present at the ceremony were SJA deputy president Alvin Lau and secretary Nyam Sze Young, members and athletes, Sarawak-Japan Friendship Club founder Tetsuo Fujii and officials, and JapanMalaysia Association coordinator in Sarawak Kazue Sakai.