St. Mary’s sophomore Kuga (’27) and senior Taiga (’25) made history on the international stage, securing victory at the Asian Padel Championships. Competing for the first time in a high-level tournament, they represented Team Japan, showcasing their skill and dedication in Padel, a two-player sport originating in Mexico and rapidly gaining global popularity.
Though it was his debut at the Asian Championships, Kuga and Taiga entered the tournament with a determined mindset: to win and dominate. However, Kuga admitted to feeling nervous before his matches. To manage this, he followed a consistent pre-match routine, including conditioning exercises, running, and deep stretching, which helped him peak at crucial moments.
One of his most memorable moments came when the U18 Japanese team faced off against the UAE team in the team competition finals, determining the Asian champion. His teammate scored the game-winning point before a crowd of over 400 spectators, and his brother Taiga was part of the team. “It felt like a dream,” Kuga recalled. At that moment, time seemed to stop, and all he could hear were the deafening cheers from his teammates.
Kuga’s preparation for the Asian Championships required dedication and sacrifice, as he trained on the court daily. To secure a spot on the Japanese national team, he had to qualify from a pool of over 20 top players in the sport. Once selected, he refined his strategy—targeting weaker opponents, engaging in tactical rallies, and making crucial adjustments with his bench coach during breaks.
His performance demonstrated his ability to adapt to the game’s fast-paced nature, particularly when facing strong competitors like Lebanon’s U16 individual champion, who was a top contender in the tournament. Despite an injury, his opponent remained a formidable challenge, pushing Kuga to perform at his best. Competing at this level taught him the importance of building greater stamina and a stronger mentality to excel.
Looking ahead, Kuga has set ambitious goals for his future in Padel. He aims to qualify for the World Championships and secure a permanent spot as an official member of the Japanese national team. With Padel’s growing recognition, speculation is that it could be included in a future Olympic Games, presenting even more excellent opportunities for rising athletes like Kuga and Taiga.
