Competing in Group A, Japan’s youth basketball team stepped onto the court with quiet confidence and left a powerful impression on everyone cheering them at the Shahab Al Ahli Club.
Led by four promising young athletes, Takuma Taniguchi, Shinsaku Iwata, Koya Morioka, and Taichi Kuga, Japan began their campaign at the Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games with a strong victory over Saudi Arabia, winning 18-7.
It was more than just a win. It was the moment their teamwork came alive. With each pass and every shot, Japan showed calmness, smart movement, and impressive skill far beyond their age.
That win pushed them into the semi-finals, where they faced Thailand. This time, Japan played with even more energy and control. Their determination was visible in every minute of the game. They moved confidently, trusted each other, and worked as one unit. The result was a powerful 20–5 victory making a clear statement that Japan’s young Para athletes are steadily rising toward greatness.
Behind these talented players stands their dedicated mid-age coach, whose guidance shapes not only their skills but also their confidence and character. He shared how Japan develops its young talents into future champions, saying:
“First, we need to motivate them and believe in themselves. Even with disability, there is no limit to thrive in sports that they like. From that, we will train them to be the best champion.”
He also highlighted a key part of their success is the strong values rooted in Japanese culture.
“My athletes work very hard with discipline and commitment,” the coach proudly added.
These qualities, built over years of training and personal growth, have become the foundation of Japan’s rising strength in youth Para sport.
For Japan, the AYPG is more than a competition. It is a long-term mission. In Dubai, they settled for the silver medal against Iran in the final, but the coach was looking way ahead of just medals.
“The aim to give young players strong foundations, international exposure, and the mindset of athletes who never give up. Our plan is to continue developing youth teams across Japan, creating more opportunities for Para athletes to train, compete, and build confidence,” the coach said.
“Our objective is clear: to raise a new generation of Para athletes who will represent Japan proudly on bigger stages, the Asian Para Games, the World Championships, and one day, the Paralympic Games.”
As the players walked off the court, smiles wide and energy high, it was clear that Japan did more than just won a medal.
They inspired. They proved that with belief, support, discipline, and a strong heart, young athletes can push past any limit and rise toward becoming champions.
The Japan youth team has only begun their journey and the future ahead of them shines bright.
