Qinzhou, China, September 30, 2018 – Seasoned player Katsuhiro Shiratori, who is on active duty in the 2018 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Qinzhou 3-star, believes there is a bright future for Japan’s beach volleyball programme.
Shiratori competed in the London 2012 Olympic Games with Kentaro Asahi after qualifying in the AVC Continental Cup and he is among the most experienced among the Japanese competitors in Qinzhou.
With the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in perspective for all of the Japanese athletes in the World Tour, Shiratori believes that their active participation has its long-term benefits for their programme.
“Japanese players have gained a lot of experience, but we have to push harder and try more challenges,” Shiratori said. “We have to learn more skills like in service and attack.”
He feels that former volleyball players Yu Koshikawa and Yusuke Ishijima are great additions to the programme and are Japan’s future in the beach volleyball.
“Yu and Ishijima have the biggest potential. They were great indoor players and they also have excellent skills in beach volleyball.”
Shiratori and Takashi Tsuchiya are through to the main draw in Qinzhou, following their straight-set win against Koshikawa and Koichi Nishimura in the qualification round.
For now, Shiratori is taking it step by step, but he is not closing any doors for another Olympic stint.
“I try to do my best everyday and I do not want to think about the future too much, but I hope I can still play in the Olympics.”
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