The Federation of Japan Fencing has announced that Olympic medalist Yuki Ota has retired and former track and field athlete So Takei will be appointed chairman.
The Federation of Japan Fencing held a general meeting and a board of directors in Tokyo on the 19th, and decided on a new president.
Chairman Ota, who won the silver medal at the two Olympic Games in Beijing and London and served for the second term and four years, has retired, and Mr. Takei, a new talent, has been appointed as chairman.
Takei is 48 years old from Tokyo.
He has won the Japan Championships in Athletics and the Decathlon Men's Championship.
Mr. Takei, who attended the press conference after the board of directors, said, "I was worried about whether I could do it in a heavy and responsible position, but I accepted that Mr. Ota would work with me. I want to do my best to make more people love the competition. Also, it is a big challenge that many athletes are not recognized by the world, and I want to do my best to pave the way for them to change their lives. " I stated my aspirations.
Since assuming the post of chairman at the young age of 31 four years ago, Chairman Ota has promoted reforms within the association, such as appointing private-sector external human resources as side jobs and side jobs.
In addition, at the All Japan Championship, we made efforts such as holding competitions in theaters.
Chairman Ota has been acquainted with Mr. Takei for a long time, saying, "It was Mr. Takei who had leadership, vision, and ability to communicate, and finally I thought he was this person. Although reforms are in the middle of the road in terms of increasing the competitive population. Mr. Takei will come up with ideas and acquire new fans. I hope that fencing will throw a stone in the sports world. "
President Ota will continue to serve as Vice President of the International Fencing Federation.