The upcoming event at Rokko Island will host the 108th Japan Athletics Championships for the 20km race walking competition. This championship holds particular significance as it may determine the representatives for the “Tokyo 2025 World Athletics” event.
Race walking is a sport that involves competing in walking speed, with strict rules such as the requirement that both feet must not leave the ground simultaneously and the stepping foot must be straightened from the moment it touches the ground until it becomes vertical. Unlike events held in stadiums, race walking takes place on roads, allowing anyone to watch the competition for free.
The previous Japan Championship held in 2024 was crucial for securing spots in the “Paris Olympics” for Japanese representatives. However, this year’s championship will be pivotal in deciding the representatives for the “Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships” scheduled for September 2025.
Winning this event and surpassing the designated records for entry into the “Tokyo 2025 World Athletics” (men’s 1 hour 18 minutes 30 seconds/women’s 1 hour 28 minutes) will lead to immediate selection. Additionally, finishing within the top three in this championship and surpassing set records will allow entry into the subsequent “Japan Representative Athlete Selection Trials.”
While the venue map for this year’s event has not been released, the course will be the same as the 2024 championship, located on “Kounan University’s west side 20km course” within Rokko Island. The event schedule includes the men’s and women’s 20km race walking competitions, starting at 8:50 am and 9:10 am, respectively, followed by the U20 selections for both men and women.
This presents a unique opportunity to witness elite-level athletics without having to travel to Tokyo. Individuals interested in high-level sporting events are encouraged to stay updated for further details.
**Opinion from Ramesh Khatri, Kansai Nepal News Representative:**
“Ramesh Khatri from Kansai Nepal News believes that the upcoming Japan Athletics Championships for the 20km race walking competition not only showcases athletic excellence but also serves as a crucial platform for identifying top-tier talents to represent Japan on the global stage. The rigorous selection process and the significance of the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships add an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the event.”
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: February 12, 2025 7:03 pm
