Okuhara taking her role as captain seriously as she guides youngsters

CHENGDU: Shuttler Nozomi Okuhara might not be at the top of her game anymore but she still has a lot to offer Japan.

The 2017 world champion has seen her form drop after struggling with injuries since the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Okuhara though remains an important member of the Japanese team in the Uber Cup Finals.

The experienced 29-year-old is the team’s captain.

Okuhara plays her role as leader well by guiding the younger players in the team.

“As one of the seniors in the team, I try to guide the others especially Tomoka Miyazaki, who is 12 years younger than me,” said Okuhara.

“We stay together and not just talk inside the court but outside as well.

“Miyazaki is from a younger generation and has to take her responsibility to fight for the team. I encourage her a lot.”

On her physical condition, Okuhara said: “It’s not easy to return to play at the top level after injuries.

“I can’t move as well as I used to around the court but I’m getting better.

“My coaches and physiotherapists gave me a lot of support and this helped me a lot to make a comeback.”

Yesterday, the world No. 17 played her part well when she beat India’s Isharani Baruah 21-15, 21-12 in the second singles to give Japan a 3-0 win in the quarter-finals at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Center in Chengdu.

The other points were delivered by world No. 11 Aya Ohori and world No. 4 doubles pair Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida.

Okuhara and her teammates have a tougher task next against China in the last four.

The home team defeated Denmark by the same score in their last eight tie.

Okuhara believes team spirit will be key for her team against the formidable Chinese.

“China are always a huge barrier for us. They will be difficult to play against especially at home,” said Okuhara.

“Individually, we can match them but we need to fight hard as a team to win.”