2024.12.12
On December 11, Rio Hasegawa (3rd-year, Faculty of Policy Management / member of the Keio University Athletic Association Sumo Club), who won the gold medal and became world champion in the women's middleweight division (under 73 kg) at the Sumo World Championships, paid a courtesy visit to Dean Tomoki Kamo of the Faculty of Policy Management and Dean Tomohiro Ichinose of the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies.
They were joined by Fumihiko Nara, coach of the Keio University Athletic Association Sumo Club; Professor Takaaki Kato of the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies; Associate Professor Hisashi Mizutori of the Faculty of Policy Management; and Senior Assistant Professor Kenta Senda of the Faculty of Policy Management, who all celebrated Keio University's first-ever female sumo world champion.
During the meeting, they had a lively conversation about Hasegawa's daily training as the first and only female member of the Sumo Club in its 103-year history, how she overcame past setbacks, and her journey to winning the gold medal.
Coach Nara commented, "Although she is smaller than her international opponents, Hasegawa excels in speed, reflexes, and concentration." Dean Kamo offered his encouragement, saying, "I believe there is a world that only those who have stood at the top can see. I hope you will share that perspective with us here at SFC."
Hasegawa said, "Since I was a child, I've been training against boys, so I've always wanted to beat them. Now that I'm the champion and the one being chased, I want to continue practicing sumo without being confined to just winning or losing against other women."
In recognition of this victory, Hasegawa has also received the Aomori Prefecture Award for Distinguished Service in Sports.
SFC will continue to support Hasegawa in her future endeavors.
Source: General Affairs, Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC) Office