Japanese judoka Mizuki Kondo has set her sights firmly on an “overwhelming victory” ahead of her first appearance at the Asian Games, drawing high praise from Olympic gold medalist Natsumi Kadota during a recent televised conversation.
Aims and Aspirations at the Asian Games
Competing in the women’s 48-kilogram division, Kondo enters the upcoming regional showcase with a blend of anticipation and focus. The tournament, hosted in Aichi and Nagoya, marks the first time Japan has staged the multi-sport event since the 1994 Hiroshima Games, creating a high-profile platform for the country’s athletes.
Kondo acknowledged experiencing a degree of nervousness ahead of her debut on the continental stage, though she emphasized her underlying excitement. Having been told by peers that the multi-sport competition serves as a strong indicator of Olympic-level intensity, she expressed a clear determination to secure the top spot on the podium.
Sibling Ambitions on the Mat
The family ties extending into the tournament add an extra layer of focus for the Japanese delegation. Kondo’s older brother, Hayato Kondo, is scheduled to compete in the men’s 60-kilogram category, raising the prospect of a shared success for the siblings.
During the dialogue facilitated by the broadcaster, Kadota raised the possibility of a joint gold-medal performance on the same day. Kondo responded positively, affirming her intent to achieve the shared milestone alongside her brother. Reflecting on the event’s core theme surrounding community support, she highlighted the role of her family, coaches, and spectators in sustaining her athletic career.
Technical Evaluation From an Olympic Champion
The conversation also turned to the tactical side of Kondo’s judo, specifically her proficiency with seoi-nage (shoulder throw) and ouchi-gari or inner thigh techniques. Kondo detailed her strategic approach to mixing the two movements, noting that she uses one to set up the other depending on her opponent’s defensive posture.
Kadota, who claimed the 48-kilogram gold at the Paris Olympic Games and serves as an athlete ambassador for the broadcaster, offered a firsthand assessment after grappling with the younger competitor. Kadota noted the surprising speed of the execution, remarking that the attacks arrive from an unusual height resembling a shoulder throw rather than a standard inner thigh technique, leaving little time to react.
Overcoming Adversity and Managing Weight
Away from the tactical preparation, the two athletes discussed the realities of weight management within the 48-kilogram division. Kondo shared her preference for sweets, noting an affinity for cinnamon rolls and a desire for chocolate once weigh-ins conclude, while Kadota compared notes on utilizing portable snacks like rice balls and chocolate during competition windows.
Kondo also reflected on a challenging period during her high school years when a medical condition left her temporarily bedridden and away from the sport. Crediting her family and former high school coach for their unwavering assistance, she pointed to her enduring ambition to succeed at the Olympic level as the driving force behind her return to competitive judo.
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