JPF Scholarship Recipient Hyoga Kiuchi Pays Courtesy Visit to JPF Co., Ltd.

Hyoga Kiuchi, a second-year recipient of the JPF Scholarship supported by JPF Co., Ltd. (JPF) and a BMX racing athlete, recently visited JPF's headquarters for a courtesy call to President Shuntaro Watanabe.

Since Kiuchi was unable to attend the JPF Scholarship Ceremony on April 1 due to an overseas competition, a formal certificate presentation was held during this visit.

During the meeting, Kiuchi reported on his activities from last season and shared his goals for the upcoming season. They engaged in a wide-ranging discussion about the challenges of competing globally in BMX racing, including his experiences abroad, the training environment, and the differences in sports culture.

Last season, Kiuchi achieved significant results, including 16th place in the UCI BMX Racing World Cup and runner-up in the Asian Championships. He also participated in a pump track clinic at PIST6, working to convey the charm of cycling to people of all ages, from children to adults.

During the visit, Kiuchi shared his thoughts on popularizing cycling and nurturing the next generation, stating, 'Creating an environment that serves as an entry point for starting cycling is crucial,' and 'I believe that as the community grows, the number of competitive cyclists will also increase.'

Currently based in France, Kiuchi is also exploring local regional sports culture and environments. His university graduation thesis focuses on 'The Differences in Sports Culture between Japan and France.'

For the current season, he aims to reach the finals in the BMX Racing World Cup, perform well at the World Championships, and secure a gold medal at the Asian Games. JPF will continue to support athletes who strive not only for competitive success but also for the popularization of cycling culture and the development of the next generation.