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Head coach Toru Onzuka and captain Saki Hayashi in an interview at Narita Airport [写真]=Basketball King
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On January 29, head coach Toru Onzuka and captain Saki Hayashi of the Japan women’s national team (ranked 9th in the FIBA rankings), participating in the FIBA Women’s Olympic World Final Qualifiers (OQT), agreed to an interview at Narita Airport before the Departure for Japan.
Head coach Onzuka showed his feelings and said: “It’s finally here. I’m excited” and “I reiterated that for the last 20 days I did what I had to do and I did what I did.” “Morning. “We had a good training session.” commented. During training camp, he apparently practiced in a match format with “top-level” university players, and about the current state of the team he said: “In a word: it’s going well.”
“Even when I was playing against male university students, I never gave up or thought, ‘This is different.’ It was hard to believe. “I feel like it’s more challenging than games like this in the past.” “And I think the players feel that way too.”
On the 26th, the number of members was reduced to 16, including those from overseas. However, he did not disclose that he could not provide an answer given the “information war” with rival countries. On inviting foreign teams, he only said: “A decision will be made soon.” Even after he goes to Europe, he seems to be training privately, saying: “It’s not just the last week, but everyone is trying to fight through with confidence. It’s important to make sure of these things and be on the pitch. “I think so,” he said.
In the OQT, which begins on February 8th, they will fight for eligibility to take part in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games against strong teams such as Spain (4th place) and Canada (5th place) as well as host country Hungary (19th place). ). Hayashi emphasized that the game against Spain on the 8th will be important.
“I don’t know how much information Spain has about us, but I think we have to play in a way that makes people go ‘Oh!’ think. If we don’t make a mistake, it will be our opponent.” “Big, and I think there will be a big difference. We want to create an atmosphere where we can challenge with confidence so we can play to our hearts’ content.”
It’s a big stage for Hayashi himself as captain. He said: “At the Tokyo Olympics I was in a young position, so I wasn’t warned by my opponents,” but “I think I will make adjustments this time.” Personally, as a captain, “I have the feeling “I have to lead everyone.” I think that’s a good sense of responsibility. It’s a tournament I definitely don’t want to lose and I have a strong desire to come back with three wins in a row.”
In the OQT they play against Spain on the 8th, against Hungary on the 9th and against Canada on the 11th. Aim for the ticket to Paris, awarded to the top three teams.
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