Tsugumi and Megumi bring twice the power to Japan
Credit: volleyballworld.com
Opposite and team captain Tsugumi Fukazawa (No. 8) and her twin sister, outside hitter Megumi (No. 7), have been a perfect combination for Japan at the 2023 FIVB Women’s U21 Volleyball World Championship, helping to propel their team into the next stage of the event.
The eldest sister by a minute, Megumi shows great confidence every time she steps onto the court, joining her sister Tsugumi, who leads Japan as the team captain. Both are committed to the same purposes of contributing to their team progressing into the final stage of the World Championship and making it to the Japanese senior national team.
The tournament is streamed live on the Volleyball World YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj22hzJc8T4
Both admit that ever since their father introduced them to volleyball, they were enchanted, and at this point in their lives, at the age of 20, they have no other purpose than to reach the pinnacle of the world’s volleyball elite.
They played together throughout their school years, from elementary to high school, becoming national champions together, performing with dedication and acquiring the necessary skills to make of volleyball their way of life.
Tsugumi states that they’ve matured and don’t argue when they are on the court. “Our relationship is very close and good, like most twins. Additionally, we play for different clubs in Japan, which keeps us apart since we live in different cities.”
Tsugumi Fukazawa celebrates scoring against Egypt
Megumi plays for the Hisamitsu Springs and Tsugumi plays for the Toray Arrows. They’ve had to face each other, which has been a great experience helping them mature their sisterly relationship and contribute together to the national team.
“We’ve always competed against each other in the Japanese Volleyball League, but it’s a healthy and respectful competition” explained Megumi.
The Fukazawa twins agree that they are great teammates, just like the rest of the players. “We support each other, not only as sisters but also as part of the team, striving for positive results,” Tsugumi indicated.
\*\*2023 FIVB Volleyball Women’s U21 World Championship: Match Schedule and Results\*\*
When talking about their inclusion in the U21 national team, they explain that they were highly motivated to achieve it together. And if the case arose that one of them didn’t make it, that one would support from the outside, while the selected one would have to give her best effort.
Tsugumi and Megumi’s goal is very clear – they want to focus on making it to the Japanese senior national team and their efforts are targeted towards this goal.
Megumi Fukazawa ready to serve against Egypt
“I’m focused on being a part of the senior team. I don’t think too much about the distant future; volleyball is my main goal”, says Tsugumi.
Megumi agrees with her sister, “We share the same perspective. Right now, volleyball is the objective, and it’s too early in our careers to think about anything else. The goal is to be at the highest level of Japanese volleyball”.
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