“Giving them the support they need,” Naomi Osaka leads the noble initiative of ‘Play Academy’

“Giving them the support they need,” Naomi Osaka leads the noble initiative of ‘Play Academy’

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka

Japan’s Naomi Osaka is one of the dominating forces on the WTA Tour. The 23-year-old has already laid claim to three Grand Slam titles. Most recent of these prestigious victories came about at the U.S Open 2020, when she downed Victoria Azarenka in three-sets. 

Recently, Osaka has led the initiative of ‘Play Academy’ along with the company Laureus, which gave it a huge funding boost. Its aim is to encourage young girls to contend in various sports and provide them the opportunity to do so. By taking this step, the Japanese is aiming to provide equal opportunity to girls. 

“We’ll be able to make a positive impact” – Osaka

Naomi Osaka

In an interview with Tennis Majors, Osaka said, “I’m so proud that through Play Academy, we’re going to be working to ensure more girls stay in the sport, building confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills, giving them the support they need to succeed in other aspects of life.”

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“I’m so thankful to Laureus and its partner MUFG for supporting Play Academy. Together with Nike, Mastercard, and our other partners, we’ll be able to make a positive impact on young women and girls. Sport today is more important than ever for society, especially for girls growing up in marginalized communities,” she concluded.

Osaka will next be seen on court at the Australian Open 2021, which is scheduled to begin from 8 February. 

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