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Japanese trackstar Tamasue with NSA Deputy Director, Saka Acquaye
Japanese trackstar Tamasue with NSA Deputy Director, Saka Acquaye

Japanese athlete Dai Tamasue lands in Accra to promote 2020 Olympics

Former Japanese track athlete, Dai Tamasue arrived in Ghana on Thursday to begin a four-day mission to promote the 2020 Olympic and Paralympics Games slated for Tokyo.

Tamasue was welcomed on his arrival at the Kotoka International Airport shortly after 11 am by the Deputy Director of the National Sports Authority, Mr Saka Acquaye as well as some officials of the Japanese Embassy.

The track star said he was delighted to be in the country and was looking forward to promoting the charm of Japan particularly the culture, value and ethic of sports in Japan.

He said: "I have friends from Ghana and I am here to teach more about the Japanese culture of sports. I just want to motivate the kids and teach them the benefits of sports and the impact it can have on their lives.

"I just want to see Ghanaian athletes at the 2020 Olympics and winning medals because Ghana and Japan have a very strong relationship".

Mr Tamasue's itinerary over the four days he will be in the country includes a visit to the Accra Academy Senior High School and St Mary's Senior High School where he will hold lectures and workshops with the students on Friday.

He will also hold a similar event with some selected national athletes on Saturday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

He would end his tour with a dinner at the residence of the Japanese Ambassador in Accra before heading to his next African destination.

His visit coincides with the 60 years celebration of international relations between Ghana and Japan.

Tamasue is the first Japanese sprinter to win a medal in a track event at a World Competition and current Japanese record holder for Men’s 400-metre hurdle (as of July 2016).

He also won a bronze medal at the 2001 World Championships in Edmonton and 2005 World Championships in Athletics in Helsinki.

The event is under the auspices of the National Sports Authority, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ghana Education Service and hosted by the Japan Embassy of Ghana.

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