Table Tennis Kanazawa Port: Announcement of Contract Renewal with Player Ao Yoshida

Thank you for your continued warm support for Kanazawa Port.

We are pleased to announce that Kanazawa Port has renewed its player contract with Ao Yoshida, who is affiliated with Niigata Sangyo University Affiliated High School, for the 2026-2027 season.

Ao Yoshida, a native of Niigata Prefecture, joined Kanazawa Port midway through the 2025-2026 season. Although he did not have the opportunity to play in matches, he accompanied the team, supported them as a practice partner and with active bench work, contributing to their advancement to the playoffs and a runner-up finish.

Furthermore, at the All Japan Table Tennis Championships held in January 2026, he demonstrated top-class ability for his generation by placing third in the junior division, despite being a first-year high school student. He has also been selected for the junior national team, and great expectations are placed on him as a future candidate for the Japan national team.

Kanazawa Port decided to renew the contract not only for Player Yoshida's future potential but also with expectations for him to be an immediate asset in the upcoming season.

Together with the young left-handed player, the pride of Hokushin'etsu, the team will challenge for their long-cherished first playoff championship. We appreciate your continued warm support.

[Comment from Player Ao Yoshida]

I am Ao Yoshida, and I am pleased to announce that my contract has been renewed.

In the 2026-2027 season, I will do my best to play in even one more match and contribute more to the team than last season.

I look forward to your continued support.

[Comment from Coach Akira Saito]

We have renewed the contract with Player Ao Yoshida.

He is a player who has steadily improved his skills, for example, by reaching the top four in the junior division of this year's All Japan Championships.

Last season, he mainly accompanied the team, and although he did not get to play in matches, he made dedicated contributions to the team as a practice partner.

On the other hand, I believe it was a season where he experienced the frustration of not being able to play in matches. Building on that experience, we expect him to grow further and contribute to the team with victories in matches this season.

We kindly ask for your continued warm support for Player Ao Yoshida.