Published 16:21 IST, October 11th 2019
Naomi Osaka to choose Japanese nationality for 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Naomi Osaka, the tennis star will participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics choosing a Japanese nationality. She also said that she will represent the host country
Tennis star Naomi Osaka will participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but as a Japenese national. She said that she will represent the host country by choosing Japanese nationality. The tennis star in her interview on October 10 revealed that she is already taking care of the formalities and following the necessary procedure to be able to choose Japanese citizenship. Her Japenese fans are certainly excited to see her play for her nation.
Naomi Osaka has dual nationality
Osaka, who is ranked No. 3 among the woman tennis players, was born to a Japanese mother and a Haitian father. Till now Osaka had dual nationality for Japan and the United States. This year on October 16, she will turn 22, and will eventually have to stick to one nationality. According to Japanese law which permits dual nationality, once a citizen turns 22, they must choose a single nationality.
Emotional play at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Osaka feels connected to Japan and said that playing for her nation will be a special and one of the most memorable moments. During the Tokyo 2020, Osaka might feel overwhelmed and emotional while representing Japan. The player revealed that she performs well under high pressure, therefore during the Tokyo Olympics when all eyes will be on her, she too has high expectations from herself. She looks forward to giving her the best performance and winning gold for her country.
Osaka to play tournaments organised by the International Tennis Federation
Naomi Osaka recently won in the Beijing tournament this month, which accounted for her third championship this season. The tennis star once was ranked No.1 tennis player in the world. As per the Japan Tennis Association, it will only be considered eligible to represent Japan at the 2020 Olympic, once she displays her performance for the country in the national team tournaments conducted by the International Tennis Federation.
(with agency inputs)
Updated 19:21 IST, October 11th 2019