Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has instructed government officials to consider offering speedskating star Miho Takagi the People¡¯s Honor Award, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Friday.
Takagi, Â鶹´«Ã½ most decorated Winter Olympian, with 10 medals, retired after her last competition in March.
¡°She has been a leading figure in speed skating on the global stage for a long time,¡± Kihara told a news conference.
Kihara explained the rationale behind the proposed award, saying Takagi has ¡°made great contributions to the promotion and development of sports in Japan, brought dreams to and inspired many people, and filled Japanese society with hope and courage.¡±
The government will make a final decision after collecting opinions from relevant people in collaboration with the Japan Sports Agency. Kihara said the timing of the decision remains unknown at this point.
¡°I am honored simply to be considered for the People¡¯s Honor Award,¡± Takagi said in a statement. ¡°I look forward to hearing the decision.¡±
The People¡¯s Honor Award has previously been given to 27 individuals and one team, mainly in sports and entertainment.
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