World champion Meggie Ochoa, left, has resigned from the JJIF Board to concentrate on training for the SEA Games and Asian Games ©JJIF

Ju-jitsu world champion Meggie Ochoa of the Philippines has stepped down from the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) Board to concentrate on her preparations for three major competitions in 2023.

In 2022, Ochoa won gold in the 48 kilograms category at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi, defeating top-ranked Ni Ni Vicky Hoang of Canada.

Ochoa joined the JJIF Board in 2018 but  this year, she is set to compete in the South East Asian Games (SEA Games) in Phnom Penh, Asian Games in Hangzhou, and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMG) in Bangkok and Chonburi.

"As some of you may know, I have been a competitive athlete in ju-jitsu for many years now, this year is unlike any other," Ochoa said.

"Because of this, I have decided to focus on my athletic career and let go of my commitments to the JJIF Board."

Ochoa has also been closely involved with safeguarding activities within the sport.

"I want to thank each and every one of you for your support over the years. 

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve on the JJIF Board, and I will always cherish the relationships that I have built with all of you."

Medha Goodhary, right, had provided legal guidance and doping compliance advice to the JJIF in her four years as a Board member ©JJIF
Medha Goodhary, right, had provided legal guidance and doping compliance advice to the JJIF in her four years as a Board member ©JJIF

Ochoa will be succeeded by Christian Horvath of Austria, who will assume her responsibilities for Ju-Jitsu for Good.

Meanwhile, JJIF legal advisor Medha Goodhary has also retired from the Board after taking up a new job  in her homeland of Mauritius.

"It has been a great journey and I am proud to have been part of it," Goodhary said,

 "I thank you and all the Board members and JJIF Team who have placed their trust in me." 

She had joined the Board in 2018 as one of the first women elected.

As a lawyer, she worked with the doping free department and also took responsibility for compliance matters with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Goodhary has indicated that she hopes to continue working for the JJIF doping free unit.

"In her time on the Board, she has helped to grow the sport both in Mauritius and internationally, and she will be sorely missed," a JJIF statement said.