Nagoya, Japan, March 12, 2025: Local hero Ayumi Tanimoto continued her efforts to promote the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya in 2026 by visiting Komei Junior High School in Nagoya on Tuesday, March 11.
Tanimoto, Olympic judo champion in women’s -63kg at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, was accompanied by four-time judo Paralympian and two-time Palalympic silver medallist Makoto Hirose.
The two judokas were representing the Athletes Committee of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee (AINAGOC). It was the fifth visit of the Athletes Committee to local schools to promote the 20th Asian Games, which will run from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
First, they gave a lecture through a quiz and talk show to learn about Aichi-Nagoya 2026 and judo competitions.
Then the students watched a demonstration of judo throwing techniques by both committee members and were impressed by the skills and power of the two medallists.
The students were also able to experience judo and learn about the fun of judo and the highlights of watching a competition.
“Thank you to all the students, teachers and Athletes Committee members who participated,” AINAGOC said.
Tanimoto, now 43, hails from Anjo City in Aichi Prefecture.
