Olympic wrestling champion Nao Kusaka sets sights on Asian Games gold
After clinching Greco-Roman gold at the Paris Olympics, Japan's Nao Kusaka is targeting the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, drawing inspiration from sumo wrestler Aonishiki.
Tokyo-born Nao Kusaka, who won the men’s 77-kilogram Greco-Roman gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is now focusing on the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The 25-year-old attributes part of his aggressive wrestling style to his junior-high-school sumo background. Observing sekiwake Aonishiki’s rapid return to form at the July Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, Kusaka noted the sumo star’s ability to shape his opponent and dominate physically.
In preparation, he has been sprinting up steep mountain slopes at a ski resort in Gunma Prefecture to enhance leg strength and stamina. Kusaka expects tough bouts, as Asian competitors secured three of the four medals in his weight class in Paris, and he vows to stay focused and resilient to secure the Asian Games gold.
Why it matters
Kusaka’s pursuit highlights Japan’s continued strength in wrestling and the cross-sport influence of sumo techniques.
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