Paris 2024 will be the final Olympics stint for Japanese volleyball star Sarina Koga as she announced her retirement from the sport.
UPDATE - Sarina Koga is also retiring from professional volleyball, her Japan V1 club team NEC Red Rockets announced.
Koga joined the team in the 2014-15 season and was an official roster member the following year. Sarina helped the NEC Red Rockets to four V1 championships and two Empress Cup titles. The star hitter won three MVP awards in the V1, and another two MVPs in the Empress Cup.
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Koga, one of Japan’s beloved volleyball stars, earlier announced that she will retire from national team duties after the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Koga expressed her gratitude for the support she has received throughout her career.
"Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. This is a report to everyone. I have decided to retire from active duty after the Paris Olympics 2024,” Koga wrote in Japanese.
The Japanese outside hitter reminisced about her journey in volleyball, which began in the second grade of elementary school. She credited her sustained passion for the sport to the encouragement and support from everyone around her.
"All my experiences and encounters have made me who I am today. Thank you very much," said Koga.
The 28-year-old Koga recently led Japan to a historic silver medal finish in the VNL Women’s 2024, just falling short against Italy in the Finals. In the domestic Japanese league, Sarina pushed the NEC Red Rockets to back-to-back V1 championships earlier in the year.
A retirement press conference is planned after the Olympics, where Koga will share more about her journey and future plans. But for now, Koga assured her fans that she will give her all in Paris 2024.
"I will put my entire volleyball career on the line for the Paris Olympics. Thank you for your support until the end,” said Koga.
[ALSO READ: Sarina Koga banners Japan's women's volleyball lineup for Paris 2024]
Japan is placed in Group B, where it will face Brazil, Poland, and Kenya. Only two teams will directly advance to the quarterfinals.
Koga and the rest of the Japanese squad will look to bounce back from their 10th-place finish in Tokyo 2020.
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Story Summary:
- Sarina Koga, Japan's celebrated volleyball star, announces her retirement to take effect after the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
- In an emotional Instagram message, Koga expressed gratitude for the support throughout her career, reflecting on her journey from elementary school to international success.
- After a historic silver medal from VNL Women’s 2024, Koga vows to give her best in Paris 2024, promising a farewell press conference to share more about her future plans.
[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital team. The summary was generated by AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]