Japan¡¯s national team for the World Athletics Championships began its charm offensive on Thursday, counting down the days to what the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) hopes will be the biggest spectator track and field event to be held in the country in some time.
In total, 44 members of the 80-strong Team Japan appeared at a news conference at the Meiji Kinenkan hall in Tokyo on Thursday before attending an open practice session at National Stadium.
¡°I believe athletes from around the world are eagerly awaiting the greatest festival in track and field,¡± said Rachid Muratake, who was fifth in the 110-meter hurdles final at the 2024 Paris Olympics and holds the Japanese record. ¡°I think it will be a major opportunity for people in Japan to learn the appeal of athletics ... I hope that all athletes participating in this event will finish their competitions safely, and that these championships will proceed without incident and conclude smoothly.¡±
¡°I am truly proud to be able to stand here as a competitor for this world championships being held in Tokyo,¡± said 100-meter hurdler Hitomi Nakajima, who broke the Participation Standard Record for Tokyo 2025 in July. ¡°As Team Japan, united as one and carrying everyone¡¯s feelings, we want to fight together with you. We ask for your passionate support.¡±
Newly appointed JAAF chief Yuko Arimori addressed the national team athletes, reflecting on her experience as a marathon runner who made her World Athletics Championships debut in 1991, when the event was last held in Tokyo.
¡°From here on, it all comes down to your mindset,¡± she said, noting the advantage of competing in a familiar environment. ¡°There may be crowd reactions that feel a bit harsh, but I hope you can turn all of it into strength. That support will reach you directly.
¡°We also have fans here with us today, and people across Japan are supporting you and backing you. I hope you will flourish here in Tokyo together with those cheers. At the same time, a great deal of attention will be focused on you ¡ª please turn that into strength as well.
¡°The greatest stage has been prepared for you. On that stage, give your all as you fight the world ¡ª and yourselves ¡ª and take on the challenge. We are cheering for you.¡±
The World Athletics Championships kick off at Tokyo¡¯s National Stadium on Sept. 13.
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