Source:NURPHOTO/Kabir Jhangiani
[Saba Sports News] 18-year-old Japanese badminton beauty Maya Taguchi is participating in the women’s doubles and mixed doubles events at the 2024 All-Japan Social Badminton Championships. She and her partner Akari Sato have advanced to the top 16 in women’s doubles. It is reported that they are inspired by Tokyo Olympic women’s doubles bronze medalists Shida Chiharu and Nami Matsuyama, aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Standing at 165 cm tall, Maya Taguchi has a sweet appearance resembling Hanni Pham from the popular South Korean girl group NewJeans. She is quite skilled and won the women’s doubles gold medal at last year’s World Junior Championships. After entering adult competitions, she partnered with 23-year-old Akari Sato, and their relationship is so close that they feel like real sisters. In Sato’s eyes, Taguchi is an innocent and mischievous girl who often seems a bit clueless. Taguchi admits that she relies heavily on Sato during competitions and hopes to become a top player like her senior. Looking ahead, both hope to leverage their strengths and gradually improve their skills to prepare for their dream stage.