The Japanese women's basketball team, which secured its third consecutive Olympic appearance at the world final qualifying round held in Hungary, returned to Japan on the 13th, and captain Saki Hayashi said, ``Everyone was able to fight as one. It was great.'' I'm happy to be able to come back with such a good result.'' He expressed his joy.
The Japanese women's basketball team finished in first place at the Olympic World Final Qualifier held in Hungary with a total record of 2 wins and 1 loss, qualifying for their third consecutive Olympic Games.
The Japan national team returned to Japan on the 13th and held a press conference at a hotel in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, attended by 11 players and head coach Toru Onzuka.
At the press conference, captain Hayashi expressed his joy, saying, ``I think everyone was able to fight as one, which led to the result. I'm happy that we came back with a good result.'' He also expressed his joy as he looked ahead to the Paris Olympics. "We will be playing against even stronger teams. I want to raise the level of Japanese basketball even further," he said.
Head coach Onzuka also commented on the Japanese national team that won the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, saying, ``I think the players were under pressure after the Tokyo Games to think it was a given that they should win.They didn't give in and gave their all on the court. .As a result of our efforts as a team to win, we were able to earn the right to participate."
Furthermore, Mai Yamamoto, who scored 21 points in the final game against a strong team, Canada, tied the team's most points, and made a game-clinching shot in the fourth quarter, was named the MVP of this tournament, saying, ``It's not easy. Knowing this, we were all able to fight through for the sake of the team with determination.I was convinced that Japan's speed and shooting ability would be effective on the world stage.''He added, ``I hope to improve even further and win the gold medal.'' I want to do my best to get that,'' he said with enthusiasm.