Ahead of the Asian Para Games, 7 members of Japan's para archery team and staff held an open practice session and press conference at the National Training Center in Tokyo, discussing their determination to compete in their first major multisport event under the new structure.
Ahead of the Asian Para Games, 7 para archers from Japan's national team, the head coach and a trainer held an open practice session and press conference at the National Training Center in Tokyo. The weather was clear, and the athletes were seen shooting arrows at the archery range on the roof. The delegation, including more than 10 staff members in total, shared an update on preparations for the Games.
At the start of the press conference, head coach Suetake Hiroki (末武寛基) said it was important to strengthen conditioning and mental preparation in line with each athlete's distinct physical characteristics and playing style. He said the event would provide an opportunity to convey the appeal of archery during competition. The athletes ranged widely in age, with young and veteran competitors set to vie for medals.
Para archery had faced operational instability, including the dissolution of its former governing body last year. The All Japan Archery Federation, which governs able-bodied archery, has now newly established a para division, accepted the athletes and put a new structure in place. The event was described as the first major multisport event under this structure.
The athletes included 7 men and women competing in recurve and compound, as well as athletes with experience competing at past world championships and para events. Their individual aspirations and goals were introduced. The event will be held at the Okazaki Central Comprehensive Park Multipurpose Ground, and each athlete expressed their determination to win a medal on the home stage.