On February 17, the 2022 Okayama Prefecture Top Athlete Awards ceremony was held at the Okayama Prefectural Government Office, where 64 people and 14 organizations were honored. The awards were given to athletes who performed well in international competitions and on the national stage, including 8 Honor Awards, Excellence Awards for 64 individuals and 14 organizations, and one Achievement Award.
　Six individuals from our university's weight training club received this prestigious award, and the club also received the award as a group. We have received comments from the award winners.

[Individual Division]
〇 FUJII Saki (Faculty of Law, 4th year)
Being awarded by Okayama Prefecture made me realize how great it is to be ranked first in the intercollegiate competition. I would be happy if it leads to an increase in recognition of powerlifting.

〇 INGYIN PHOO (GDP, 3rd year)
I was second in my first intercollegiate competition. Being commended by Okayama Prefecture has encouraged me to win the championship next year. I want to prove that even international students can become the best in Japan if they work hard.

〇 FUKUDA Ayano (Faculty of Law, 4th year)
I am very honored to receive the Okayama Prefecture Top Athlete Award. I started powerlifting in my first year of college, and there were times when I struggled to lift weights, but I was able to finish third in the nation. This is also thanks to the people around me, including the coach.

〇OGURA Shota (School of Engineering, 4th year)
I am happy that I was able to get good results because of my efforts. However, this could not have been achieved by my own efforts alone. I would like to express my gratitude to the coaches, managers, club members, parents, and others around me for their support. We also came in second place as a team, which I feel was made possible by the teamwork of all of us, which I could not have achieved on my own. I hope that this commendation from the prefecture will help to boost powerlifting in Okayama Prefecture.

〇 AOYAGI Hiroshi (School of Engineering, 4th year)
I was able to receive this award with the support of my club members, coaches, and other members of the weight club. It is a great honor. I am glad to have joined this club.

〇 YAMADA Hideki (Faculty of Law, 4th year)
I am very happy to have received this award in my last competition as a student, and I feel as if my efforts over the past four years have been rewarded.

[Team Division]
〇 Captain HAMAGUTI Taiki (School of Letters, 4th year)
I am very happy that we were able to win the Okayama Prefecture Top Athlete Award this time as a result of 2nd place in the team competition.
I would like to thank all of our alumni, supporters, coaches, and club members for making it possible for us to receive such a prestigious award. We look forward to your continued support of the Okayama University Weight Training Club. If you are interested in joining the club, please contact us. We welcome mid-career and dual club members!

For inquiries regarding this matter, please contact
Student Support Division, Academic Affairs
TEL: 086-251-7179