Midwife's Touch: Padel Star Trades Wards for Wins

Kotomi Ozawa, a prominent figure in Japan's burgeoning padel scene, brings a unique background to the sport as it makes its debut at the Asian Games. Before trading the delivery room for the court, Ozawa served as a midwife at Keio University Hospital in Tokyo. She has stated that the high-pressure environment of midwifery shares significant similarities with the demands of elite padel.

Ozawa explains that the mental fortitude required to support families through critical moments, such as childbirth, translates effectively to her athletic career. This experience allows her to remain composed during intense matches. The sensory awareness developed in monitoring a baby's heartbeat and a mother's condition is akin to the focus needed on the padel court.

At 28 years old, Ozawa has embraced the challenge of pursuing padel professionally, a sport traditionally dominated by Europe and South America. Recognizing the limited number of professional padel players in Asia, she is motivated to create opportunities for younger athletes. Ozawa and her partner, Chifumi Sato, have already achieved success, reaching the women's pairs quarter-finals.

While currently focused on her padel aspirations, Ozawa has expressed a desire to merge her passions for healthcare and sports in the future. She envisions a career that supports communities through athletic engagement and continues her commitment to childcare and family well-being.