On July 23rd, just three days before the opening of the Paris Summer Olympics, Hifumi Abe and his sister Uta from Japan departed for France with the aim of winning the first gold medals for their country.
Japan’s judo team, featuring Hifumi Abe (men’s 66 kg class) and his sister Uta Abe (women’s 52 kg class), departed from Haneda Airport on Tuesday morning. Both athletes were interviewed at the airport before their departure.
Hifumi Abe expressed his determination, stating, “I’m in great physical and mental shape, and I’ve been solely focused on winning the Paris Olympics. While I’m feeling nervous and anxious, I want to carry everything on my shoulders and perform at my best. There will be more pressure than at the Tokyo Games, but I believe in my abilities and will fight until the end.”
His sister, Uta Abe, echoed his sentiments, saying, “Being family gives me confidence, and our bond is stronger than anyone else’s. I want to leave my mark on history, so I will fight until the very end without giving up.”
The judo events at the Paris Olympics will commence on July 27, with the men’s 66 kg and women’s 52 kg classes, in which the Abe siblings will compete, scheduled for July 28.
The judo competitions will take place over eight days at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, featuring 372 athletes from 107 countries competing across fifteen categories.
