From midwife to padel pro: Japan's Ozawa eyes international breakthrough

NAGOYA, Japan — Kotomi Ozawa's transition from healthcare professional to competitive athlete may seem unusual, but the Japanese padel player sees clear parallels between her two careers. After years working as a midwife, Ozawa is now establishing herself as a pioneer in padel, a rapidly growing racquet sport gaining traction across Asia.

The shift from hospital to court represents more than just a career change for Ozawa. Both professions demand composure under pressure, quick decision-making, and the ability to perform consistently at critical moments — skills she has honed through years of emergency room experience.

As Japan moves to establish itself on the international padel stage, Ozawa's entry into competitive play marks a significant moment for the sport in the country. Padel, which combines elements of tennis and squash, has experienced explosive growth in Latin America and Europe, and is now gaining momentum in Asia, with Singapore and other regional hubs developing robust playing communities.

Ozawa's background demonstrates how elite sports recruitment in Japan is evolving, drawing talent from unexpected professional sectors. Her experience managing the intensity of medical emergencies provides a psychological foundation that many competitive athletes spend years developing through traditional sports training alone.