The 2023 World University Games are set to take place from July 28 - August 8 in Chengdu, China. Last week, Japan released its roster including three 2023 world team members, Hashimoto Daiki, Kaya Kazuma, and Minami Kazuki.. Joining this elite trio are Sugimoto Kaiyoto and Shohei Kawakami.
Hashimoto and Kaya are brilliant all-arounders, each with a standout event; Hashimoto is the reigning Olympic high bar champion, and Kaya won bronze on pommel horse at the Toyko Olympics. Minami Kazuki is a power gymnast who specializes in unthinkable combinations on floor. Though lesser known, Sugimoto and Shohei have also had success on the world stage. Sugimoto won the parallel bars title at the 2019 Paris World Cup and Shohei won high bar gold in Cottbus this year.
With a combined twenty World and Olympic medals, Japan is not likely to be challenged for the gold. Japan won its first title in 1963 and has since won gold numerous times including the past three titles (2015, 2017, and 2019). Kaya Kazuma was also a member of the 2019 team that took gold in Italy.
Qualifications for Artistic Gymnastics at the World University Games begin on August 1, 2023. Fans can watch at FISU.TV.
Article by: Kensley Behel