Ms. Kumiko Ogura
at the Izumu Sports Center
on October 20, 2013

Q What made you interested in playing badminton?
A My older sister played badminton, so I thought I’d give it a try.
Q What do you like about badminton? What is the fun part?
A I’d say the sense of speed and tactical planning.
Q What did you do to improve your skill?
A I not only focused on play but did a lot of research watching videos of good players in order to enhance my physical performance.
Q Which match is the most memorable? And why?
A The match I won to earn my fifth national badminton championship title in a row. It was also the last match I played with Reiko Shiota, my longtime doubles partner.
Q Have you ever played badminton in your dream?
A Yes. I won in my dream but lost the actual match.
Q Tell us about your current activities and future plans.
A I believe in the great power of sports. So I would like to engage in activities for educating children on the pleasure and joy of playing sports. It would be great if I could contribute somehow to the Olympic Games to be held in Tokyo in 2020.
Q Can we have your message to our readers?
A I want more people to enjoy playing sports, and any kind of sport is just fine. Racket sports may be difficult to play well at first, but keep trying and have fun. Badminton can be played by almost anyone regardless of sex and age. I hope that badminton brings opportunities for people to interact with one another.

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