The Japan Curling Association held a board meeting in Tokyo on the 8th and approved the appointment of former Olympic speed-skating bronze medalist Okazaki Tomomi (岡崎朋美), 54, as its new chair. She has served as a director of the association since 2022, and her appointment from another sport is considered unusual. She expressed her intention to revitalize the sports world by bringing in a new wind.
The Japan Curling Association held a board meeting in Tokyo and approved the appointment of Okazaki Tomomi (岡崎朋美) as its new chair. The chairmanship will change from the current officeholder to Okazaki Tomomi (岡崎朋美), formally confirming her appointment.
Okazaki Tomomi (岡崎朋美) is from Hokkaido and was a speed skater who won a bronze medal at the Nagano Olympics during her competitive career. She has remained involved with the association as a director since retiring, and her appointment as chair from another sport is considered a first.
The association said it valued Okazaki Tomomi’s (岡崎朋美) ability to negotiate externally and communicate its message as reasons for the appointment. It announced a development policy aimed at qualifying not only the women's team but also the men's team for the Olympics, and indicated that it would contribute to the sports world while maintaining a positive outlook.
Okazaki Tomomi (岡崎朋美) said she took part in a curling class in Tokyo in July, and cited strengthening player development and expanding participation activities as future measures.