Yuji Nishida: It's great that everyone has the opportunity!

Published 10:00, 12 Sept 2022

One of Japan's most popular players, Equal Jersey Ambassador Yuji Nishida led his teammates to the Round of 16 at the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship in Poland and Slovenia, after a fifth-place finish at the Volleyball Nations League earlier this year.

The 22-year-old opposite has played for the Japan national team since 2018 and appreciates being able to inspire both men and women as an athlete. "I think it's an important thing for our society to prove that the individual can really do it," he says. "Not everyone has the same talents, but I think it's great that everyone has the opportunity."

I am truly moved that we can inspire everyone, and that everyone can do what we do too. Yuji Nishida

His team's top scorer at the Men's World Championship, Nishida led from the front as Japan defeated Qatar in their first match of the Pool Phase. Japan lost to Brazil in their second match but rebounded with a four set victory against Cuba in their third, with Nishida adding another 19 points to his total. In the Round of 16, however, Japan fell to France, despite pushing the Olympic champions to five sets.

After a season in Italy's Lega Pallovolo Serie A, Nishida will play for JTEKT Stings in the Japanese V.League in 2022/23.

Listen to Yuji Nishida's story, be part of the change and support the Equal Jersey initiative. You can get your own at the Volleyball World Shop.

For more information about the Equal Jersey initiative, click here.

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