University Athletes Win Medals at Asian Games and Asian Para Games

Judo Competitors Capture Multiple Gold Medals

Judo featured medal-winning performances from university affiliates. Hayato Kondo, a 2024 graduate of the Faculty of Physical Education, claimed the gold medal in the men’s 60kg division and added a second gold in the mixed team competition. Riku Okada, a 2025 graduate of the Faculty of Physical Education, matched that feat by winning gold in the men’s 90kg category and securing another gold in the mixed team event.

Para Swimmer Generates Five-Medal Haul

Genki Saito delivered a prolific individual medal performance for the university at the Asian Para Games. A graduate of the Faculty of Science and Engineering in 2021 with a master’s degree from the Graduate School of Engineering in 2023, Saito competed across five swimming events. He won gold medals in the men’s 100m breaststroke SB13 and the men’s 100m butterfly S12. He also secured a silver medal in the men’s 100m backstroke S12, alongside bronze medals in the men’s 100m freestyle S12 and the men’s 200m individual medley SM13.

Gymnastics and Artistic Swimming Athletes Win Silver

In rhythmic gymnastics, Maimi Nishimoto, a first-year student in the 21st Century Asia Faculty, earned a silver medal in the team all-around competition. Misato Pyrapande Peawar competed in the individual all-around, finishing 19th in the qualifications. In artistic swimming, Nao Shirahase, a first-year physical education student, and Uta Kobayashi, a 2025 physical education graduate, teamed up to win the silver medal in the team event.

Team Sports and Combat Disciplines Add Podiums

Kokushikan alumni made significant contributions to team sports. Hiroyasu Tamakawa, a 2018 physical education graduate, and Kota Nakada, a 2021 21st Century Asia Faculty graduate, won a bronze medal with the men’s handball team. Maki Yamaguchi, a 2021 physical education graduate, earned a silver medal with the women’s volleyball team. In karate, Sarara Shimada, who graduated from the Faculty of Physical Education in 2024, won the bronze medal in the women’s kumite -61kg category.

Athletes Compete in Athletics and Cricket

Yuji Tsutsumi, a 2012 physical education graduate, represented the university in athletics, finishing fourth in the men’s discus throw. In cricket, Nonoha Homoto, a third-year science and engineering student, competed for her side before exiting the tournament in the first round.