Men's judoka Kosei Inoue has been named the top choice for captain of the Japanese Olympic team for the summer games in Athens, the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) said Friday.

Women's wrestler Kyoko Hamaguchi, meanwhile, has been offered the role of flag-bearer to represent Japan for the opening and closing ceremonies at the Aug. 13-29 event.

"It is a great honor. Once a formal request is made, I will proudly accept this position," said Inoue, who will be aiming to repeat his gold-medal performance from the 2000 Sydney Olympics in the men's 100-kg weight category.

Hamaguchi, the favorite to win the gold in the 72-kg weight class being contested at the summer Olympics for the first time, was also pleased with the offer.

The final decision will be made at an executive meeting on Monday.