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Yuka Saso confirms choosing Japanese citizenship: 'I am immensely proud of my dual heritage'


Yuka Saso confirmed that she has indeed chosen to be a Japanese citizen, as first reported by various Japanese media outlets on Wednesday.

In a statement on Thursday, the Filipina-Japanese golf star said she has begun the process of acquiring Japanese citizenship as under the Japanese nationality law, holders of dual citizenship have to choose only one nationality at the age of 22.

Saso turns 22 on June 20, 2023.

"I am a Filipina, born in the Philippines to a Japanese father and Filipino mother. I was raised in both Japan and the Philippines. I am immensely proud of my dual heritage and that will never change," the world no. 6 said.

Saso said she hopes to make both her Japanese and Filipino fans proud as she continues her golfing career.

"Thank you for respecting my choice. I am grateful to both my Filipino and Japanese supporters," she added. "I would not have achieved anything in my career without your support."

Saso has donned the Philippines' colors for the past years, delivering two medals from the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and topping the 2021 US Women's Open.

She also represented the country in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where she finished in joint 9th place.

—Bea Micaller/MGP, GMA News

Tags: Yuka Saso, Golf
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