Five years after winning Olympic silver on home waters, Japanese surfer Kanoa Igarashi is setting his sights on victory at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, a win that would officially earn him a spot at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The 21st Asian Games are scheduled to take place in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, with surfing events held along the country's southern coast. This presents a golden opportunity for the 28-year-old Igarashi to conclude his long journey to conquer the continental stage.
Igarashi made history by winning silver in men's surfing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), becoming one of Japan's most prominent surfers. This achievement not only affirmed his talent but also sparked hope for a younger generation taking up a sport still relatively new in Asia.
With unwavering determination, Igarashi views the upcoming ASIAD as a key milestone. A gold medal at this event will officially secure his Olympic berth for 2028, easing the pressure of accumulating points during international qualifying tournaments.
Beyond personal goals, Igarashi's participation is also expected to boost surfing's popularity in Japan, inspiring young athletes to follow the path he has paved.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are regarded as Japan's largest sporting event since the Tokyo Olympics, bringing together thousands of athletes from across the continent to compete in multiple disciplines, with surfing among the most anticipated events.
