Former midwife Ozawa reaches padel quarterfinals — Taipei Times

In Nagoya, Japan, former midwife Kotomi Ozawa and her partner Chifumi Sato reached the quarterfinals of the women's doubles padel tournament at the Asian Games. Padel is being featured in the program of these competitions for the first time, Taipei Times reports.

Experience working in a hospital

The 28-year-old Ozawa previously worked as a midwife at Keio University Hospital. She stopped working in Tokyo delivery rooms four years ago. According to the athlete, this experience helps her remain calm during important matches.

Ozawa said that during childbirth she had to act under pressure, help mothers make decisions quickly and monitor their condition using all five senses. In her view, similar concentration is also needed on the court.

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Training outside Asia

The athlete described the transition from hospital work to a career in padel as difficult. According to her, she had to fly to Europe or South America for training, as they remain the traditional centers of the sport.

Ozawa noted that few people in Asia pursue careers in padel, so she wanted to pave the way for the next generation. Padel combines elements of tennis and squash. After competing at the Asian Games, she does not rule out returning to healthcare: the athlete dreams of combining it with sport and working with children and families.