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Kyushu U student Mitsuya Tanaka competes in Para Taekwondo at Paris 2024
Embarking on his second Paralympics eager for redemption 2024.08.21Topics
Mitsuya Tanaka, a second-year master's student at Kyushu University, is set to represent Japan in Para taekwondo (Men's K44-58kg) at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. His match will take place on August 29, 2024, at 5 p.m. Japan Standard Time (10 a.m. Central European Summer Time). Tanaka is currently studying at the Health and Sport Sciences Course in the Department of Behavioral and Health Sciences of the Graduate School of Human-Environment Studies.
Cheer for Mitsuya Tanaka as he competes on the world stage!
The student-athlete Mitsuya Tanaka
Tanaka has experienced a variety of sports, starting with kendo in his childhood and soccer during his school days.
Born with a bilateral upper limb deficiency, Tanaka transformed his diverse sports background into a career as a para-athlete and began Para taekwondo in earnest in 2017. Capitalizing on his long reach to strike with precision, he earned his place in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
While continuing his athletic career, Tanaka is engaged in academic research. Now, under the guidance of Associate Professor Wakaki Uchida at the Faculty of Human-Environment Studies, Tanaka is researching the transformation of disability identity for athletes transitioning to para-athletes. As both a student and an athlete, he is committed to making a positive impact on people and society.
For more information about Mitsuya Tanaka:
https://www.parasapo.tokyo/featured-athletes/tanaka-mitsuya (Japanese only)
A Message from Mitsuya Tanaka
My name is Mitsuya Tanaka, and I’m a second-year master's student at the Department of Behavioral and Health Sciences. I will represent Japan in the men’s -58kg category of taekwondo at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, starting on August 28 (my match is on August 29). Over the past three years since my defeat at the Tokyo Paralympics, I have devoted myself to the sport, trying new techniques and working tirelessly to improve, and ultimately earning the opportunity to compete at this year's Paralympics.
Despite struggling with congenital bilateral upper limb deficiency, I found my own path through sports. Para sports are full of energy and excitement, and I hope to use this platform to share the thrill of the competition with as many people as possible. I aim to give it my all and bring home a medal. I’m ready to do my best!
A Message of Support from Associate Professor Wakaki Uchida
Shortly after competing in Para taekwondo at the Tokyo Paralympics, Mitsuya Tanaka approached me about pursuing graduate studies at Kyushu University. Knowing that he was aiming for Paris, I was concerned about how he would manage the frequent domestic and international competitions and national team camps alongside his graduate classes and research. But after every training camp and competition, Tanaka would return to Fukuoka early in the morning and head straight to class. And as soon as his classes were over, he would jump on a plane and head straight back to his next competition. Even while overseas, he found time to work on assignments and continue his research. Despite the physically and mentally demanding schedule, he always shows up at the university with a smile. I cannot tell you how much his dedication has inspired me. I hope Tanaka trusts in the process he has built and delivers his best performance in Paris. Join me in cheering him on!
What is Para taekwondo?
Para taekwondo is a relatively new Para sport. The sparring competition, where athletes compete one-on-one, was held for the first time at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. In Para taekwondo at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, matches are held as a single-round contest, lasting up to five minutes. The athlete who scores the most points within the match time wins.
At this year’s Paralympics, there will be five weight categories for men, ranging from -58kg to +80kg, and five for women, from -47kg to +65kg.