P&G Send-off Event Held for Kasumi Ishikawa

At the venue, Ishikawa appeared smiling and high-fiving fans as she walked down a flower-lined path created by company employees.

President Stanislaw Besera stated, "As a Worldwide Partner, we support not only the Games and athletes, but also the mothers who devotedly support their children. During the Rio Games, we will open the 'P&G Family Home,' a relaxation facility for athletes and their families. We hope Ishikawa will use it to relax. Then, achieve your goals and share your joy with your mother."

Ishikawa expressed her determination to aim for medals in both singles and team events, saying, "Becoming a campaign ambassador gave me a chance to express my gratitude to my mother, something I couldn't usually say. My way of repaying her is by saying 'thank you' and playing well at the Games."

The venue was connected via live feed to the headquarters office in Kobe. Employees in Kobe joined their voices, sending cheers through the monitor: "Go for gold in Rio! We're rooting for you, Ishikawa!"

Ishikawa appeared deeply moved, saying, "Lately, I've been holed up at the practice facility every day, so your support really touches my heart."

President Besera presented Ishikawa with a bouquet of golden roses, symbolizing the medal, and her mother, Kumi Ishikawa, with a bouquet of white roses, whose flower language conveys "deep respect."

Standing on stage alongside his mother, Ishikawa smiled and said, "It's fun to see my mom looking so nervous, which is unusual for her." He then stated his message: "August 7th, when the women's singles takes place, is my mother's birthday. I want to approach it with the strong determination to win absolutely. And throughout the tournament, I will strive to play an aggressive game with no regrets."