Japan’s national team for the World Athletics Championships began its charm offensive on Thursday, counting down the days to what the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) hopes will be the biggest spectator track and field event to be held in the country in some time.
In total, 44 members of the 80-strong Team Japan appeared at a news conference at the Meiji Kinenkan hall in Tokyo on Thursday before attending an open practice session at National Stadium.
“I believe athletes from around the world are eagerly awaiting the greatest festival in track and field,” said Rachid Muratake, who was fifth in the 110-meter hurdles final at the 2024 Paris Olympics and holds the Japanese record. “I think it will be a major opportunity for people in Japan to learn the appeal of athletics ... I hope that all athletes participating in this event will finish their competitions safely, and that these championships will proceed without incident and conclude smoothly.”
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