Shinzo Abe Bid Adieu- international archery Community Mourns

Shinzo Abe Bid Adieu- international archery Community Mourns. It was a sad day for the international archery community. The former prime minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, passed away on 8th July 2022. He was also the president of the Japanese archery federations. He was 67 years old.

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He got attacked fatally in the southern city of Nara. The attack happened while giving a speech at a political event.

He remained the longest-serving prime minister of Japan, from 2006 to 2007. His second tenure as Prime Minister was from 2012 to 2020. Since, April 2005, Shinzo Abe was the president of the All-Japan Archery Federation.

Prof Dr. Ugur Erdener, the World Archery President, said, “We are devastated and appalled by the awful news from Japan,” 

“Former prime minister Abe was an excellent politician, leader, and staunch supporter of our sport. The successful Olympic Games in Tokyo, held under the most challenging of conditions, will stand as his legacy.”

“Our thoughts are with the people of Japan, his family, friends, and the nation’s archery community, for whom Shinzo Abe has been such a pivotal figure and valued member for so long.”

Shinzo attended the archery club at Seikei University. At that time, he was doing his bachelor’s degree. He credited this sport.  It helped in developing the “powers of concentration” within him. It gave him “the mental strength not to bow to pressure”.

In October 2020 while talking to the media of Nikkan Sports, he said,

“I will never forget the exhilaration of aiming and hitting the 10.” “I didn’t do that much in my case.”

He left the competitive days behind. Shinzo Abe was active in archery in the role of administrator. 

While addressing the media, Tom Dielen, the World Archery secretary-general said,

 “The venue in Tokyo at Yumenoshima Park, dream island, stands as a legacy for archery because Shinzo Abe insisted there would be a legacy for his sport in the center of the city.” 

“Unfortunately, due to pandemic restrictions, he could never visit during the Games themselves. The medals won there by the Japanese team were his best reward.”

Yuko Okura, the World Archery’s technical delegate for Paris 2024, said,

“I am just so appreciative of what he has done for our sport,” “And hope he rests in peace.”

Okura, also remained the sports manager for archery at Tokyo 2020.