Nao Kusaka of Japan, Olympic champion in Greco-Roman wrestling at 77 kg, has set his sights on winning gold at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. In a recent interview, Kusaka expressed his strong desire to compete on home soil and emerge victorious in front of Japanese fans.
Notably, Kusaka said he finds powerful inspiration from Ukrainian sumo wrestler Aonishiki, who has made a significant impression in Japanese sumo tournaments. "Aonishiki has shown me a fighting spirit that never gives up and extraordinary effort despite facing many difficulties. That fuels my motivation on the road to new heights," Kusaka shared.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Kusaka made history by winning gold in the 77 kg category, affirming the standing of Japanese wrestlers on the international stage. This victory not only brought personal glory but also boosted the Greco-Roman wrestling movement in Japan.
The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will be Kusaka's next major stage. He emphasized: "I want to win gold at the Asian Games on my home turf. That would be the greatest moment of my career." With meticulous preparation and a spirit of learning from role models like Aonishiki, Kusaka is poised to shine at the regional tournament next year.
