The Taekwondo World Games Korea 2023 are just around the corner, and the japanese team is in full preparation to compete in this exciting international event that will take place in South Korea.
The ITF sports team interviewed some members of the team in the run-up to the tournament,
Takao Ueno – Umpire
▪️ With what expectation comes World Games 2023?
“Looking forward to seeing the bests of the best competitors all over the world”
▪️ What motivates you to be present as an Umpire in International Competitions?
“Because I can expect to seeing the world-class techniques under my eyes, and I believe that such experience definitely makes me grow as an instructor.”
▪️ Any special messages to competitors who will be present in Korea?
“Very looking forward to exciting match that shakes up spectators’ hearts.”
Hajime Okazawa – Coach
▪️ How does your country reach this International competition?
“Japan’s delegation is composed of 2 teams; Team Tokyo and Team Osaka. Both teams fly to Korea directly.”
▪️ How was the previous planning, with previous competitions, physical/sports preparation?
“Domestic training goes very well so as to win all categories and to be overall country at this competition.”
▪️ In which sports area is seen with more strengths Break/Fight/patterns) and that individual competitor or country sees as an adversary to respect?
“Not only Argentine at the height of great achievements, we are also marking Russia, UK, Ireland, Canada and Korea because competitors from these countries are all tough fighters. But more importantly, what I addressed to Japan’s competitors is to focus on every match for 100% fulfillment of each capacity.”
▪️ What message do you have for your team before entering the competition?
“Expecting Japan’s team to do “after-winning review” instead of “after-losing review”
Taisei Mitome – Competitor
▪️ How was the preparation for World Games Korea 2023?
“I added training from 3 days to 5 days and more after selection. As of now I think I’m prepared very well, thanks to team mates.”
▪️ In what categories does he compete and with what expectation does he reach the competition?
“My sparring category is adult -70kg class. I will prove my strength by overcoming less size of my physique and I will be a champion by all means!”
▪️ What countries do you see as favorites in the championship?
“I’m marking Korean team with my respect. At the final of All Japan championship held in this March I competed with a Korean competitor and enjoyed so exciting and high level sparring. Very looking forward to have a great game again with him!!!”
▪️ Do you have some kind of special preparation before competition day?
“Just have 3 meals well every single day and enjoy favorite musics at night so ad to sleep well!”