Japan is prepared to pay tribute to one of the country’s finest wheelchair tennis players. Shingo Kunieda, a Japanese tennis star who practically changed the fate of parasports and encouraged many other athletes to achieve their dreams, is selected for a very prestigious award to commemorate his contribution to the para-sports world.

The 39-year-old tennis player retired in January after having an extraordinary tennis career. The wheelchair tennis star won his last Grand Slam title at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships. With 28 Grand Slam titles and three Paralympic gold medals in men’s singles. He retired while being at the top of the world rankings. 

Shingo Kunieda to receive the people’s choice award

According to The Mainichi, a Japanese national newspaper, in a regular press conference, the Chief Cabinet Secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, shared that the newly retired Japanese tennis player will receive the People’s Honor Award. He mentioned that the Government of Japan appreciates the wheelchair tennis ace’s “unprecedented achievements,” which has inspired a lot of people, and also, “gave dreams and thrills to the people and bright hope and courage to society.”

The presentation ceremony will take place on the 17th of March at Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s office. The 39-year-old wheelchair tennis star began using a wheelchair at the age of 9 because of a spinal tumor. He started playing tennis in the final year of elementary school, which somehow turned out to be the best decision of his life.

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Notably, he will be the first Paralympic athlete to receive this honor in his home country, and that too, soon after his retirement. After the announcement, the 28-time Grand Slam champion shared his take on receiving such an honor. 

Kunieda’s thoughts on receiving the honor

Soon after the announcement, the former world number one shared a statement about his thoughts on receiving such a prestigious award. He said, “I feel honored and humbled. I hope this will lead to the development of not only wheelchair tennis but also para sports as a whole.” 

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Subsequently, the tennis star feels grateful to have been a part of such a great sport. And not only that, the 39-year-old tennis star has created a platform for para-athletes with this achievement.

What are your thoughts on Shingo Kunieda being tagged as people’s favorite wheelchair tennis star? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.