The 18th Daihatsu ABC Badminton National Primary School Tournament

Kita Hokkaido Qualifying Tournament Report

Kitami-shi, a city known for its aggressive promotion towards sports was the venue for the North Hokkaido Qualifiers. It was held at the "Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center" throughout the two days from 24th to 25th of June.
More than 170 players participated, and the players ranged from primary 1 to 6 students. Across all 8 courts, heated battles ensued.

Amidst all the high level battles, an especially memorable one was the finals for the Group C Boys. The two boys, their child-like innocence still unstained, saw their expressions change the moment the match began. Intense rallies ensued, where points were taken and then snatched back. Indeed, a heated seesaw game developed. The match was taken into the third set, and Tsunekawa, who had his second set taken away from him managed to grab the third set back and brilliantly achieved victory. We are looking forward to watching him at the national tournament.

The finals for the Group A Girls was well worth watching as well. Both players were tall, and their serves packed a powerful punch. In the end, it was Ishioka with her swift smashes and her outstandingly keen eyes for judging the shuttle that led to her stealing the 2 sets. She brilliantly obtained the ticket for the national tournament.

Interview of National Tournament Competitors

Throughout the two days of the tournament, the weather was unfortunately chilly due to the rain. However, even before the matches begun, the players were all heated up with excitement and enthusiasm.

At the entrance hall of the venue, Daihatsu staff supporting the tournament distributed stick balloons to be used for cheering and sports drinks as well.
We received good reviews from a family who had come to cheer for their child. They said, "The children who had come to cheer for their older brother were elated to receive these cheering items and drinks. The staff at the reception were cheerful and it gave us a good feeling. I felt the enthusiasm towards this tournament form everyone."

In addition, a special event, "Free regular inspection of your car" was arranged. Furthermore, cleaning activities were conducted for the surrounding are of the venue after the tournament ended.
We received comments from the applicants of the inspection. One said, "I didn't expect to have my car inspected at a badminton tournament. I was just thinking that it was about time to get one, so I am very thankful."

Life-sized cut-outs of players in their Japan representative uniforms were placed at the venue. Participants and players alike happily posed in front of them and wrote supportive messages for them. Everyone enjoyed the additional activities aside from the matches as well.