Japan’s Legend Jun Mizutani retires from Table Tennis

Japan’s Legendary Table Tennis player Jun Mizutani has retired from all formats of international table tennis. This was confirmed on 10th February 2022 by WTT. Mizutani has been one of the most loved table table tennis player.

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Career records of Mizutani

The 32 year old Japanese had an amazing career. At the age of 17, he became the youngest Japanese player to win national championship. He won consecutive national titles from 2007-2011. At international stages, he participates in all formats of table tennis

Singles
As of August 12
Olympics: round of 32 (2008)
World Championships: QF (2011
World Cup appearances: 5. Record: 4th (2010
ITTF World Tour winner (7): Korea Open 2009; Hungarian Open 2010; Kuwait Open
ITTF World Tour Grand Finals: winner (2010
Asian Games: SF (2010).
Asian Championships: QF (2009
Asian Cup: 3rd (2007

Men’s Doubles
World Championships: SF (2009).
ITTF World Tour winner (2): China (Suzhou)
Asian Games: QF (2006).
Asian Championships: SF (2007).

Mixed Doubles
World Championships: round of 16 (2009).
Olympic: Winner (2021)

Team Event
Olympics: 5th (2008
World Championships: 3rd (2008
World Team Cup: 5th (2009).
Asian Games: SF (2010
Asian Championships: 2nd (2007

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Best Moments of Mizutani’s Olympics Career

One of the best matches of Jun Mizutani’s singles table tennis career is when he won Bronze medal against Belarus Vladimir Samsonov.

In the Rio Olympics semi final, he lost to the eventual Gold Medalist Ma long of China. They produced one of the most memorable memories of Olympics table tennis event.

Gold at Tokyo Olympics 2021

In Tokyo Olympics, 26 July 2021, Mizutani and Mima Ito defeated China’s Liu Shiwen and Xu Xin in the mixed doubles finals to win Olympics Gold. This was also first non Chinese pair to win gold at an Olympics table tennis event since 2004 Olympics.

Visual Troubles

Mizutani has been struggling with visual struggles for quite some time, he started using glasses in international events because of his vision.

It’s not that I can’t see the ball at all, but it glitters a little, meaning I can’t see how it’s rotating. This prevents me from predicting the trajectory of the ball, whether it will come farther towards me or fall short, so I can’t receive it at the centre of my racket, which triggers many errors. To tell the truth, I haven’t been able to come up with a solution. I just follow my senses!

• Jun Mizutani to Official Olympic Games

Jun Mizutani Retirement

After winning Olympics Gold Medal at Tokyo Olympics, Mizutani gave a hint about leaving table tennis. But he didn’t announce retirement at that time.

“I have not made a final decision, but I think I will be completely away from table tennis.”

• Jun Mizutani to Official Olympic Games

On Feb 2022, Jun Mizutani has finally taken retirement from the sport as confirmed by WTT.

Thank you Jun Mizutani for all the wonderful table tennis moments <3,

Hopefully Japan will produce more amazing table tennis athletes like you in future.

Sources

• WTT Instagram Post
• Japanese icon Jun Mizutani calls Time over magical career
• Triumph over adversity: MIZUTANI Jun ready to seize golden opportunity

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