A.S.WAKABA Achieves Double Honors at 7th All Japan Sepak Takraw Championship

A.S.WAKABA Achieves Double Honors at the 7th All Japan Sepak Takraw Championship

Based in the Wakabayashi area of Setagaya City, Tokyo, the Sepak Takraw team A.S.WAKABA, led by Ritsu Hirase, showcased their skills at the 7th All Japan Sepak Takraw Quad Championship held on April 11-12, 2026, at the Fujimi City Sports Center. Their outstanding performance in the Women’s Division saw two teams from A.S.WAKABA ascend to the podium, achieving 2nd and 3rd place, a remarkable feat that highlights their dominance in the sport. The men’s team also made a strong showing by reaching the top 8 in the Men's Division, confirming their status as elite competitors in the four-player Quad format.

About the Championship

The 7th All Japan Sepak Takraw Quad Championship is sponsored by the Pal Pharmacy and showcases the exhilarating sport of Sepak Takraw, often referred to as the “martial art of the air,” which originated in Southeast Asia. The Quad format involves four players on each team, introducing more complex strategies and requiring intricate teamwork compared to the standard three-player format. Athletes engage in a battle of wits, focusing on sharp positioning, predictive skills, and rigorous defense akin to a game of chess played in mid-air.

The championship, which opened the 2026 competitive season, attracted top talent from across the nation. The competition's dynamic nature demands not only athletic prowess but also cerebral tactics, making it a celebration of both skill and strategy.

Team Highlights

In the Women’s Division, the female athletes of A.S.WAKABA put on a remarkable display, utilizing their honed defensive strategies and offensive combinations. The A team comprised of Maki, Hoiko, Saegusa, and Hayashi battled fiercely in the finals, narrowly missing the top title but proudly taking home the runner-up trophy. Additionally, the B team, featuring Yamada, Ochi, Sakagami, Matsui, and Hatsukano, fought through a challenging roster of competitors to secure the third place.

The achievement of having both teams on the podium is not just an individual victory but reflects the club's overall growth, marking a significant rise in the team's collective skill level.

In the Men’s Division, the male squad of Naito, Hamada, Haruhara, Kobayashi, and Fukai also performed admirably, navigating through tough qualifiers to result in a commendable top 8 finish.

Future Aspirations

Following this success, A.S.WAKABA is focused on the upcoming 33rd All Japan Sepak Takraw Open Championship, where the top three-player team will aim to reclaim their title after achieving five consecutive victories until the 31st tournament. This championship also serves as the final selection for the Japanese representative team for the 20th Asian Games, and the men's team is driven to regain their position as Japan’s best.

Conversely, bolstered by their recent dual podium finishes, the women's team has set ambitious goals for the new season, aspiring for their first championship win and striving for the unprecedented achievement of joint victorious representation for both male and female teams in the club’s history.

Overview of the Next Championship

- Date: May 5-6, 2026
- Location: Higashin Arena (Sumida City Gymnasium)

Community Engagement

Beyond improving competitive performance, A.S.WAKABA is dedicated to contributing to the local community. They conduct regular training at Setagaya Junior High School and have been running general experience sessions for over ten years, aiming to spread the joy and excitement of Sepak Takraw from the grassroots level. This year, they proudly don new uniforms featuring the logos of their supporting partner companies, reinforcing their commitment as they step onto the court.

The team continues to strive for excellence, nurturing talents for international competitions, while also working towards further developing the competitive environment in the sport with dedication and innovation.

About A.S.WAKABA

A.S.WAKABA is a Sepak Takraw club based in the Wakabayashi area of Setagaya City, Tokyo, affiliated with the Wakabayashi Club, which promotes comprehensive community sports and cultural initiatives. With a roster of around 30 members ranging from high school students to adults, they train three times a week at the Setagaya Junior High School.

The club is driven by its philosophy to enjoy Sepak Takraw together with people all over the world, passionately pursuing and sharing its charm. They aim to contribute meaningfully to the community and the sports domain with a proactive and supportive approach. Interested individuals are encouraged to join their bi-monthly experience sessions, regardless of their prior experience.

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