Inagi City Hometown Athlete

Naoki Hagiwara (Goalball) has been recognized as an Inagi City Hometown Athlete!

Mr. Naoki Hagiwara, a native of Inagi City (graduate of Nagamine Elementary School and Inagi Fifth Junior High School), who has been selected to represent Japan in goalball at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in April 2024, has been recognized as an Inagi City Hometown Athlete.

Inagi City has many citizens who are enthusiastic about sports and have achieved excellent results in various competitions. The Inagi City Hometown Athlete Certification System is a system that certifies professional athletes in various sports and athletes who are expected to participate in the Olympics and Paralympics, etc., from or living in Inagi City, and supports the city together with the citizens. So, it started in October 2020.

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What are your memories of Inagi City?
I lived in Inagi City until I was a university student. I went to Tokyo Verdy school when I was a boy, so I often used the Tokyo Verdy Ground. I also went to Yomiuriland with my family and friends.

How does it feel to be recognized as a hometown athlete?
I'm happy. When I turned professional and left Inagi City, I realized how much everyone in Inagi City supported me. As a hometown athlete, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who always supports me.

What was the most difficult thing about continuing to play soccer?
I don't remember much. There were some tough times, but I never saw them as negative. I always tried to think positively.

How to become a professional soccer player?
First of all, please enjoy soccer. And always keep in touch with the ball. How much you touch the ball will determine your subsequent improvement. Also, take care of those around you and always have an attitude of gratitude. Your daily actions will definitely come back to you someday, and when things aren't going well, the people around you will definitely lend a helping hand.

Please tell us your future goals.
To play in J1. And I would like to play in my hometown someday.

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What are your memories of Inagi City?
When I was in the fourth grade of elementary school, I attended a table tennis class held in the general gymnasium. Even after I started aiming for the Paralympics, I still practice at the general gymnasium from time to time.

How does it feel to be recognized as a hometown athlete?
I'm happy. There are many people in Inagi City who support us, and your support is our driving force. I want to continue to show everyone how hard I am as an athlete.

What was the most difficult thing about continuing to play table tennis?
I started playing table tennis because it was fun, but when my grades didn't improve, I sometimes started to hate it. However, I fundamentally love table tennis, so I feel like I want to practice again as time passes.

How to become a table tennis player who is active in the world?
Don't forget that you love and enjoy table tennis. This feeling leads to a sense of fulfillment and a desire to work harder. If you want to reach the top in table tennis, pursue the feeling that you love and enjoy table tennis.

Please tell us your future goals.
To qualify for the Paralympic Games. If I am able to participate in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, I would like to prepare well from now on so that I can give my best performance.

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What are your memories of Inagi City?
I often went to the Inagi City Festival and Yomiuri Land with my family and friends. When I was in elementary school, I even won second place in the Super Dodgeball Tournament held at the general gymnasium.

How does it feel to be recognized as a Hometown Athlete?
I feel humbled. I received words of encouragement and a certificate from the mayor, and it made me realize how much support I receive from many people.

What has been the hardest part about continuing to play goalball?
I dislocated my shoulder and wondered whether to have surgery. Looking back, I'm glad I had the surgery, and I feel that it has led to better performance. When I first started playing goalball, it was physically tough and I didn't like it at times, but I learned that there was fun beyond the pain, and I haven't found it difficult since then.

What are your future goals?
I am currently training hard with my team members in preparation for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, aiming for the gold medal. I will do my best to win the gold medal.