Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 5: Paris Olympics gold medallist Tsugumi Sakurai has announced her retirement from competitive wrestling at just 24, choosing to shift focus toward coaching and promoting the sport in her home region of Kochi Prefecture.

Sakurai, who clinched the women’s 57kg title at the Paris Olympics, bows out after a remarkable run that included three consecutive world championships—one at 55kg in 2021 and back-to-back titles at 57kg in 2022 and 2023.

In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, she expressed gratitude to her supporters and reflected on her journey in the sport. “I have decided to end my wrestling career. I was able to achieve my dream of winning Olympic gold thanks to everyone’s support,” she wrote, acknowledging both the challenges and triumphs she experienced over the years.

Sakurai revealed that the decision came after prolonged reflection and discussions with mentors and close associates. Looking ahead, she plans to establish a training program at the Kochi Wrestling Club in Konan City, aiming to nurture young talent and contribute to the growth of wrestling.

Her career began with a U17 world title in 2016, followed by major victories at the Asian Championships and the Asian Games in 2022 and 2023. One of the rare setbacks in her career came at the 2024 Asian Championships, where she lost to China’s Yongxian Feng in the final.

However, she made a strong comeback at the Olympics, defeating Helen Maroulis, the Rio 2016 champion, in the semifinals before securing gold with a dominant win over Anastasia Nichita in the final.

Sakurai now transitions from champion athlete to mentor, with plans to inspire and develop the next generation of wrestlers in Japan.