With Tokyo 2020 on the horizon, the Japanese Wheelchair Basketball Federation (JWBF) are continuing to drive forward the promotion and development of wheelchair basketball in their country.

On the final day of the Men’s U23 World Championships, IWBF President Ulf Mehrens, Secretary General Maureen Orchard and Deputy Secretary General Norbert Kucera met with the President of JWBF, Mr Toshihiko Tamagawa, to discuss the Federation’s plans in the lead up to the Paralympic Games and their involvement with the Local Organising Committee of Tokyo 2020.

JWBF plans include intensifying their contribution to the development of the Asia Oceania Zone. They plan to support the organisation of more clinics for officials to increase the amount and level of classifiers and referees, as well as continue to build on the good work already started in the zone to develop and promote women’s wheelchair basketball.

IWBF President, Ulf Mehrens said, “We have a long and good standing relationship with the Japanese Wheelchair Basketball Federation and our intention is to build on this in the run up to Tokyo 2020. We have promised IWBF’s support and help wherever it is needed to ensure that the zone and Japan is fully prepared for the Paralympic Games.”