On August 14 to 19, Okayama University badminton club members TAKAHASHI Teppei (fourth year, Faculty of Engineering) and HIROMITSU Yoshino (second year, Faculty of Education) participated in the 65th Chu-shikoku Regional Student Badminton Tournament held at the Tottori Prefectural Industrial Gymnasium in Tottori Prefecture. TAKAHASHI Teppei ranked second in the men’s singles category, while HIROMITSU Yoshino ranked third in the women’s singles category. Both players will advance to the 72nd All-Japan Student Badminton Championships (intercollegiate) to be held in October.

Students from all over the Chugoku and Shikoku regions competed in the men’s singles tournament, coming to 214 players. After succeeding in the qualifying tournament, TAKAHASHI Teppei progressed smoothly through the quarter-finals and semi-finals, finally ranking second overall after losing in his final match against YAMASHITA Kosei from Matsuyama University. Though he did not take first place, Mr. Takahashi achieved his goal of qualifying to compete in the All-Japan Championships.

There were fewer participants in the women’s single category, with 77 players. HIROMITSU Yoshino lost in the semi-final match to EMI Nowa from Tokuyama University but managed to take third place overall by winning in her match against OKA Chihiro from Hiroshima Bunka Gakuen University, successfully claiming her spot in the All-Japan Championships.

In response to their results, Mr. Takahashi commented, “I am sincerely happy to have placed second in the Chu-shikoku Badminton Tournament and feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to practice and compete as a member of an Okayama University sports club. It will be my first time competing in a national tournament, so I hope to enjoy the experience while aiming for a win.” Ms. Hiromitsu said, “There were times when our club’s practice sessions had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus, but as a result of strict training and the support of my fellow club members, I was able to rank third. Competing in a national competition will be a new experience for me, and I am grateful that they will go ahead with the competition despite the ongoing situation. I intend to give it my all so that I won’t have any regrets.”

The 72nd All-Japan Student Badminton Championships will be held from October 15 to October 21 at the Rohto Arena Nara (Nara City, Nara Prefecture) and the Sakurai City Shiba Sports Park Gymnasium (Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture).