Hockey In Japan: 4 Questions To The International Player Hazuki Nagai
Hockey in Japan is growing, not only in the rankings but in popularity. Hazuki Nagai is an international hockey player and, according to her, Japan is expecting to make an big impact at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020. In these 4 questions, she share some of her thoughts about the present and future of hockey in her country.
The number in terms of amount of players involved in hockey is about 10,000. It is not so popular as football or volleyball right now but it is expected to become bigger.
Both of my parents were hockey players, so I joined a local club team with my elder sister, it was a family thing.
3. What is it like to represent your country internationally?
Although I feel pressure due to the high expectation for achieving results, it makes me very happy to have games where I can face world-class players. I experience great pleasure playing just by being able to be on the pitch representing my country with pride.
4. What it is expected in the future of hockey in Japan?
There are good young female and male players in Japan. Hockey in Japan is expecting to take the full advantage that the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020 will provide us where we hope to arrive with the necessary level that will allow us to compete against the best teams in the world. We have a bright future.
