Tokyo: On July 18, the Japanese badminton national team has entered the Olympic Village. The Japanese team head coach Park Joo-bong and 13 players who will be competing at the Olympics also held a press conference the same day. The following are some key takeaways from Park and the Japanese badminton players.
Park Joo-bong – Head Coach of Japanese Badminton Team:
“This Olympics has been postponed for one year, and the Badminton World Federation (BWF) tournament schedule has changed many times, so preparations were difficult. However, we held a training camp once a month during this period without tournament to improve the condition and performance of the players. The badminton competition of the Tokyo Olympics starts on the 24th. All the players and staff will do their best so that the Japanese national badminton team can achieve the best results possible.
Kento Momota – World No. 1 in Men’s Singles:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has made things very difficult. I couldn’t come this far by myself. I would like to express my gratitude to all the people who supported me, and to everyone involved in holding this tournament. I will do the best I can in the Olympics so that I won’t regret it.”
Nozomi Okuhara – World No. 3 in Women’s Singles:
“As I get closer and closer, I’m really looking forward to feeling the atmosphere. I’m excited. I think it could be anxious too, but I want to enjoy it as much as possible.”
Akane Yamaguchi – World No. 5 in Women’s Singles:
“Only a few days left until the start of the Olympics, I’d like to be in good physical condition and prepare for the matches. I can’t say that I’m not worried, but I’m looking forward to the opportunity to play against overseas players for the first time in a while, and I’d like to enjoy it to the fullest.”
Yuta Watanabe　- World No. 4 in Men’s Doubles, World No. 5 in Mixed Doubles:
“I feel like the wait is finally over. I’m thrilled. I will do my best!”
Hiroyuki Endo – World No. 4 in Men’s Doubles:
“I would like to make good preparations so that I can perform well.”
Arisa Higashino – World No. 5 in Mixed Doubles:
“The Olympics has been postponed for one year, but I’m really looking forward to the Games, and I will do my best together with Watanabe. It’s my first Olympics, so I’m looking forward to it. And I’m nervous and at the same time, my heart is throbbing with excitement.”
Ayaka Hirota – World No. 1 in Women’s Doubles:
“It’s full of fun when it’s almost time for Games. I hope I can have a fun time with Fukushima in the Olympics.”
Yuki Fukushima – World No. 1 in Women’s Doubles:
“I’m looking forward to it, I’ve prepared well. Personally, I feel that the fun outweighs the anxiety.”
Kanta Tsuneyama – World No. 13 in Men’s Singles:
“There is only one week left until the actual performance, but I would like to prepare well and do my best. I’m a little worried, but I’d like to enjoy it and do my best.”
Takeshi Kamura – World No. 5 in Men’s Doubles:
“I’ll do my best. It’s my first time participating in the Olympics, so I don’t know if I’m nervous or looking forward until I stand on the court, but I’m really looking forward to how I feel in that situation.”
Keigo Sonoda – World No. 5 in Men’s Doubles:
“At the Tokyo Olympics, I would like to play a match that shows men’s doubles is also a very attractive event. Thank you for your support. There are some uncertain feelings, but I want to be prepared and face the opponents.”
Wakana Nagahara – World No. 2 in Women’s Doubles:
“I’m nervous about my first Olympics, but I hope we can do our best while having fun together (with Matsumoto). At the training camp, we played well with the male sparring partners. The Olympics is the event I’ve always dreamed of, so I’ll do my best to enjoy it and I won’t be overwhelmed by the pressure.”
Mayu Matsumoto – World No. 2 in Women’s Doubles:
“I would like to enjoy my first Olympics together with my doubles partner Nagahara. Starting today, I would like to make steady adjustments so that we can raise our motivation. Right now, I have 98% fun and 2% anxiety, so I would like to raise my motivation so that the 2% anxiety will go away.”
