Megumi Kurihara Endorses Strongest Generation Aiming for Dual Volleyball Medals at Paris Olympics
“The Paris Olympics, which began on July 27, follows the Tokyo Olympics’ record-breaking 58 medals. This year’s Games are also expected to feature numerous medal-worthy events. We’ve conducted in-depth interviews with legends to highlight the key points of these exciting competitions. Let’s revel in the anticipated medal rush of the Japanese athletes.”
“Yuki Ishikawa (28, right) and Ran Takahashi (22)
Men’s Semifinal: August 7 at 23:00 (Fuji TV network)
Final: August 10 at 20:00 (TBS network)
On July 21, Japanese men’s volleyball team secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over the world’s top-ranked Poland in a pre-Olympic match, providing a significant boost ahead of the Paris Olympics. With hopes for gold medals at their highest since the Munich Olympics in 1972, the team is centered around Yuki Ishikawa and Ran Takahashi. Former Japanese women’s volleyball representative, Megumi Kurihara, praises the double aces:
“Ishikawa is top-notch in every aspect. When the team is in a pinch, the coach directs, Focus the ball on Ishikawa, highlighting the immense trust he has earned. He’s like the ‘Shohei Ohtani’ of Japanese volleyball, recognized for his skills globally. We hope to see him deliver performances that stir emotions in Paris.
Takahashi excels in defense. While top global teams often have strong servers, Takahashi’s presence ensures stable ball handling for the setter despite powerful serves from opponents. He plays a crucial role in creating diverse attack options and significantly contributes to the team.”
Here’s an analysis of the recent progress in men’s volleyball:
“A significant factor is the increase in players challenging themselves overseas. Experiencing the top levels of global competition and bringing back those insights to Japanese teams has created a positive cycle. Seeing these players’ successes inspires others to aim for the world stage. This trend is fostering very favorable momentum.”
