Exciting table tennis fans across the globe from a young age with his gold medal successes at the Youth Olympic Games and World Junior Championships in 2010 and 2011, Koki Niwa has since established himself as one of the sport’s finest players.
Known for his lightning quick speed around the table the 24-year-old Japanese star will be one to watch at the upcoming Liebherr 2019 World Championships in the Hungarian capital of Budapest from Sunday 21st to Sunday 28th April.
Q) What were your reasons for taking up table tennis?
A) I was influenced by my father who was also a table tennis player.
Q) What in your opinion is the best part of table tennis?
A) The moment when I win a match.
Q) What is your favourite tournament success to date?
A) Rio 2016 Olympic Games, when we won the Team Silver medal.
Q) What are your favourite hobbies?
A) Weight Training, Spa and Water baths.
Q) What is your favourite place in the whole world and why?
A) Hokkaido Tomakomai, Japan because it is where I was born and grew up.
Q) If you could be a super hero, which one would you choose?
A) Son Goku from Dragon Ball
Q) What are some of your favourite food and drink?
A) Curry, Tsukemen (Noodles), whisky with ginger ale
Q) Have you ever been to Budapest?
A) I have been in the past, but I can’t really remember much about the visit.
Q) What would you like to say to the fans ahead of the World Championships?
A) At the last competition, I ended up in the best eight of the singles so this time I am going to do my best to win a medal. I hope I will have the support from table tennis fans.
Watch Koki Niwa’s quest for a podium finish by purchasing your tickets for the Liebherr 2019 World Table Tennis Championships:
