Aya Ohori: A Formidable Japanese Badminton Champion

I love badminton very much, so it was not an easy decision for me to retire, but once again I feel that my 22 years of competitive life, with everyone's support, has been a very happy time. The Kumamoto Masters will be my last tournament in Japan, and I would be happy if you continue to support me. - Aya Ohori

The news of Aya Ohori's retirement is nostalgic for her fans, who have seen her excel on the court. It is the perfect moment to look at her journey and seek inspiration. She has been on the international circuit for many years, and her skill and dedication to the sport are exemplary.

Career Profile:

1. Women's Singles World Rank: 9
2. Women's Singles World Tour Rank: 4
3. Silver at the 2020 Uber Cup Women's Team Category
4. Gold at the 2018 Asian Games (Women's Team)
5. Two-time gold Winner at the Asian Junior Championships (Team Events)

Personal Information:

1. Birth Date: 2nd October 1996 (age 28 as of 2024)
2. Country: Japan
3. Height: 1.69 m (5 ft 7 inches)
4. Handedness: Left
5. Coach: Kaori Imabeppu
6. Aya Ohori's Racket: Yonex Nanoflare 700 Pro
7. String: Yonex Nanogy 98

Aya Ohori's Most Recent Wins on the Badminton Circuit

Aya Ohori is a formidable player who has not won many titles this year. However, her consistent performance has led her to the quarter-finals of many tournaments, thus earning her a spot in the BWF rankings.

Victor China Open (Changzhou, China):

Aya secured the third position at the Victor China Open after losing the semi-final to Chinese player Wang Zhi Yi.

Sathio Group Australian Open 2024 (Sydney, Australia):

Aya Ohori won the HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500 event against Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo.

Princess Sirivannavari Thailand Masters 2024 (Bangkok, Thailand):

Aya won her first title of the year in February with the Thailand Masters.

Syed Modi India International 2023 (Lucknow, India):

She secured a bronze medal at the Syed Modi event after losing the semi-final to fellow Japanese shuttler Nozomi Okuhara.

Yonex French Open 2023 (Rennes, France):

She stood third on the podium at the Yonex French Open in October 2023.

Sathio Group Australian Open 2023 (Sydney, Australia):

Aya lost the semi-final to Kim Gaeun in a match that lasted under 30 minutes.

Aya Ohori: The Intimidating Champion of Women's Badminton

The left-handed badminton shuttler started her journey at the age of four when her father, Hitoshi, took her to his high school and she saw others play the sport. Her parents Hitoshi and Maki, and her older sister Yu Saito also played the sport, making it a natural choice for Aya.

She joined the national team in 2012 and made her international debut in the same year. She won the World Junior Championships in 2012 (bronze), 2013 (silver), and 2014 (bronze). She secured gold at the 2013 Asian Junior Championships and bronze at the 2013 East Asian Games.

BWF introduced the BWF World Tour Series in 2018. Before that, the organization hosted Grand Prix and Grand Prix Gold competitions. Aya has won two Grand Prix tournaments in 2013 and 2014. She has secured wins in three BWF Grand Prix Gold tournaments in 2016 and 2017, proving her mettle as a solid player.

Aya also proved a valuable player for Japan, winning the 2018 BWF International Challenge in straight sets. She also won the Asia Team Championships in 2018 along with her Japanese team.

In 2020, she won a silver at the Uber Cup and gold at the Asia Team Championships in the women's team category. In 2022, she won two bronze medals at the Asian Games. And, in 2024, she has had a decent year with a bronze at the Uber Cup and Asia Team Championships.

Her retirement news was expected by her fans, especially because most female Japanese shuttlers retire by 28-30 years of age. However, they are still heartbroken because her form was improving and she was doing well in the recent games.

What is the Playing Style of Aya Ohori?

Aya Ohori is renowned for her technical proficiency and methodical approach to the game. Her playing style features excellent court coverage and defensive skills with precise shot placement control. Although she has the endurance for long rallies, she often lacks the power to finish them off. It is one reason why she has been struggling so much recently.

However, she focused on improving her strengths: technical accuracy, strategic play, and precise footwork. With strong fundamentals of the game and a disciplined training approach, she will forever remain an inspiration to young players.

Aya Ohori's Favorite Badminton Gear

Aya Ohori's favorite badminton equipment includes her trusted Yonex Nanoflare 700 Pro racket. She had used Nanoray Z Speed in the past, so choosing the next-gen Yonex speed series racket seems like an obvious choice for her.

The latest professional-edition of Nanoflare 700 delivers faster and deeper clears to build the personality of a solid player. The head-light racket is designed with speed at its core, ensuring lightning-fast responses. Aya enjoys the professional version of the Nanoflare 700 racket for its cutting-edge technology: Enhanced Sonic Flare System, Wide Profile Frame, and SERVO FILTER.

She prefers the Yonex Nanogy 98 badminton string to complement her playing style. With quick repulsion and superior control, the string allows her to play her shots confidently.

A Great Impact on Japanese Badminton!

Aya Ohori represents the depth of Japan's women's singles talent pool, contributing to the country's strong presence in international badminton. Her consistent performances and technical excellence have helped maintain Japan's position as a powerhouse in women's badminton.

As she announces her retirement and is ready to play only a few more games, Ohori remains focused on maintaining her high-level performance and pursuing success. Her technical foundation and consistent approach make her a respected competitor on the international circuit.