A retirement ceremony for representatives who will retire from active duty, such as Sayuri Sugimoto, who was the captain of the Japanese national team in the rhythmic gymnastics group of the Tokyo Olympics, was held in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture.
At the retirement ceremony, Sugimoto, who served as the captain of the Japanese national team for about eight years, participated in the Tokyo Olympics, Rie Matsubara, who participated in three consecutive tournaments up to the Tokyo Games, and participated in the Rio de Janeiro Games at the end of last month's World Championships. Six people attended, including Kaho Minagawa, who retired from active duty.
At the venue in Takasaki City, after the bouquet was handed to the six people, each one expressed their gratitude.
Of these, Sugimoto made a great contribution as a captain to winning the group's overall silver medal for the first time in 44 years at the adult world championships. It was a great time, "he said with tears.
Minagawa said, "I've been able to continue to this point with the support of many people. I'm full of gratitude. In the future, I'd like to work hard and learn every day as a leader to reach my goals."
Mr. Hiroko Yamazaki, who retired from the strengthening headquarters, "I want you to continue to support me."
Hiroko Yamazaki, who will retire from the rhythmic gymnastics strengthening headquarters of the Japan Gymnastics Association after her term expires, also attended the retirement ceremony on the 26th.
Mr. Yamazaki has been the head of the rhythmic gymnastics strengthening division since 2004, when a Japanese group missed the Athens Olympics, and led to the group's first overall silver medal in 44 years at the adult world championships.
At the ceremony, Mr. Yamazaki said, "At the beginning of the activity, I was wondering if this was okay, but it is not uncommon for medal acquisition in groups and individual prizes. The strengthening system will change, but it will continue. I want you to support me. "
For the Paris Games three years from now, Yukari Murata, who has participated in the Olympic Games for the second time in a row, will serve as the head of the strengthening division.