Chasing her third title at the upcoming Asian Para Games, wheelchair tennis star Yui Kamiji addressed reporters in Nagoya on Sunday, outlining her readiness to compete on home soil following a historic season.
Kamiji Targets Third Title in Nagoya
The 32-year-old athlete, representing Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, spoke to media at the official delegation arrival event for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games. Opening on November 18 across venues in Aichi Prefecture, the multi-sport event features 283 Japanese athletes competing across 18 sports, according to organizers. Kamiji enters the tournament aiming for her third gold medal.
“This is the first time the Games are being held in Japan,” Kamiji said during the press conference. “Following my career Golden Grand Slam in July, this is my first opportunity to compete at home. I want to deliver the best possible performance for everyone who has supported me.”
Overcoming Illness Ahead of the Opener
Kamiji’s preparations faced an unexpected hurdle when she contracted influenza. Despite the setback, she confirmed that her health has rebounded sufficiently as competition nears.
“I have managed to return to my normal physical condition to a certain extent,” Kamiji said. “I hope to properly fine-tune my conditioning leading up to my opening match.”
Rising Public Interest in Para Sports
Reflecting on the growth of the discipline since the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, Kamiji noted a palpable shift in public enthusiasm. She emphasized that hosting the continental showcase in Nagoya offers local supporters a rare chance to watch elite competition live.
“The enthusiasm for para sports has grown considerably since 2021,” Kamiji said. “Holding the Asian Games in Nagoya brings a sense of expectation, and it is a very precious opportunity for people to finally watch live. I want to perform in a way that lives up to everyone’s expectations.”
Competition Schedule and Historical Context
While the official opening ceremony takes place on November 18, preliminary competition begins early across multiple venues. Matches in badminton, blind football, table tennis, and wheelchair basketball get underway on November 16, with events running through November 24.
The Japanese delegation arrives seeking to build on a record-breaking performance at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China. At the previous edition, Japanese competitors secured 42 gold medals, 49 silver medals, and 59 bronze medals for a total of 150 podium finishes, establishing a new national best for both gold count and total medal accumulation.
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