At a press conference in the afternoon, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno addressed Mr. Shingo Kunieda, the leading wheelchair tennis player who achieved the "Lifetime Golden Slam" by winning all four Grand Slam tournaments and the Paralympic Games, and who announced his retirement earlier. , announced that he received instructions from Prime Minister Kishida to consider awarding the People's Honor Award.
Mr. Kunieda has participated in five consecutive Paralympic Games, won his fourth gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games two years ago, and also won the Wimbledon Championships last year. After completing the Lifetime Golden Slam, he announced his retirement last month.
At a press conference in the afternoon, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno revealed that he had been instructed by Prime Minister Kishida to consider awarding the People's Honor Award to Kunieda.
He continued, "Achieving an unprecedented feat, he was active as a world leader in wheelchair tennis for nearly 20 years. I was deeply moved, and gave society bright hope and courage."
The government plans to make a final decision with the cooperation of the Japan Sports Agency and after listening to the opinions of relevant parties.
It will be the first time if a Para-athlete is awarded the People's Honor Award.