World Masters Games 2021 Kansai Commemorative Event Held to Mark Entry Start

The WMG is the world's largest multi-sport event for lifelong athletes, held every four years in the year following the Summer Olympics and Paralympics. It is open to anyone aged 30 or older who loves sports.
This inaugural Asian edition will run for 17 days from May 14 to 30, 2021, across the Kansai region (13 prefectures and ordinance-designated cities). It will feature 35 official sports with 59 events, plus open competitions. The target is a record-breaking 50,000 participants from Japan and abroad.

Memorial events featured talks by talent Takeshi Takei, the Games' Support Ambassador; former House of Representatives member Taro Sugimura, who became an Ambassador; and former speed skater Tomomi Okazaki.
Mr. Takei, winner of the decathlon at the 1997 Japan Track and Field Championships; Mr. Sugimura, who devoted himself to tennis during his student days and won the National Sports Festival; and Ms. Okazaki, bronze medalist in speed skating at the Nagano Olympics, each drew on their own experiences to appeal the wonders of sports and discussed the appeal of the WMG, where people can still challenge themselves even as they age.

Mr. Sugimura, who competed against former professional tennis player James Greenhall at the 2017 Auckland Games, said excitedly, "It's an experience you can only have at a competition like this. He let me win, even though he was holding back. I made a serve that you only get to make once every few years." Mr. Takei, who played a heated match against former squash world champion Sarah Fitzgerald, said, "I scored points and played a pretty good game. But then Sarah got serious and beat me up," he said with a laugh, looking back on that time. "When you participate in the WMG, you can play against athletes who represent their countries. Being able to enjoy that thrill is also part of the appeal of this tournament," he said passionately.

Mr. Okazaki, who competed in speed skating at the Winter World Masters Games 2020 Innsbruck held in Austria this January and won gold medals in both the 500m and 1000m events, smiled and said, "It's been six years since I retired, and I didn't have ideal training conditions, but I compensated with track and field training. I'm happy to be back on the podium after so long." He encouraged others, saying, "I think everyone can do it if they try. I want you to challenge yourselves."

The three experienced "Dig Sports," which uses sensors to detect body movements and has AI diagnose suitable sports.
After trying the sideways jump test, Sugimura was diagnosed as suited for canoe slalom, baseball, and softball. He gave a wry smile, saying, "Tennis isn't on the list," but took it positively: "I never had a connection with canoeing, but I discovered a new side of myself. I'll give it my best shot." Okazaki, who attempted the vertical jump, was diagnosed as suited for softball, baseball, and judo. "I played softball in elementary school, but I'd get angry when someone messed up, so I'm not cut out for team sports," he self-diagnosed as an athlete better suited for individual sports.
Mr. Takei, who recorded a good time in the 50-meter dash, was diagnosed as suited for volleyball, rugby, and basketball. His eyes lit up as he said, "Rugby is a sport I'm currently eyeing. I'm talking about forming a team with rugby legends and competing."

Finally, the three declared their intentions to compete in various events: "I want to participate in as many events as possible" (Takei), "I want to deliver a memorable serve in tennis" (Sugimura), and "I aim for a top finish in the 10-kilometer road race" (Okazaki), calling for many people to join them.
On the same day, the venue featured booths introducing the tournament, experience corners for general visitors, and a "Ground Golf" experience area held in Tottori Prefecture, bustling with many participants.

Official Tournament Website: https://wmg2021.jp/