Hayata Hina on Why She Switched to an Aggressive Fighting Style

The scars from the fierce battle six months ago have made the queen even stronger.

At the 2025 All-Japan Table Tennis Championships (January 21–26), reigning champion Hina Hayata (24) appeared at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium (Shibuya) with painful taping on her left arm.

“Hayata injured her left wrist, her dominant hand, during the Paris Olympics but still competed, winning a bronze in singles and a silver in the team event. However, the injury seems to have worsened. She made her competitive return at the WTT Finals Fukuoka in November last year but lost in her opening match. She claimed her first win since returning at the WTT Star Contender Doha earlier this month but was defeated in the third round. She entered the All-Japan Championships with lingering concerns about her condition, fearing that she might not be able to play at all,” said a reporter who covered the tournament.

However, Hayata played with impressive strength, showing no signs of the injury. In the semifinals, she overwhelmed rising star Satsuki Odo (20), and in the final, she defeated her Paris Olympics teammate Miwa Harimoto (16) 4-0 in straight sets, achieving her third consecutive championship, a feat not seen since Yoshizumi Ishikawa (31).

Further evolution of the tactics

In post-match interviews, she honestly admitted, “After the semifinal, I did feel some pain at times,” but reflected, “Despite the injury, I was able to show a skilled performance while facing it.” Table tennis columnist Jota Ito analyzed Hayata’s winning factor.

“Table tennis is a mental sport. After her injury, she couldn’t train properly, and by focusing on what she could do, she ‘let go’ and the pressure of being the defending champion was alleviated. As a result, she was able to play without hesitation.”

However, both Oodo and Harimoto are highly ranked players in the world. Even though Hayata is Japan’s ace, her ability to sweep them despite her injury cannot be explained by just her mental state. Ito continues:

“Her tactics have changed significantly compared to her time in Paris. Previously, Hayata’s style relied on long rallies, waiting for her opponent’s opening. But this time, both her forehand and backhand were about striking decisively early. Faster balls fly more directly, which increases the risk of them not landing on the table, but at the All Japan Championship, every shot worked perfectly. In the final, Harimoto was hit with one of Hayata’s powerful shots and, as if to say ‘I can’t return this,’ he let out a bitter smile.”

She avoided prolonged rallies that would exacerbate her pain, opting instead for a full-throttle, ultra-aggressive style from the first point. Even her injury became a driving force, as she achieved the perfect balance of technique and strength. Hayata’s momentum is unstoppable.