The World Games family expresses its condolences with Team Japan competing in Birmingham, USA after the death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The 67-year-old Abe died in hospital after he was shot at a political campaign event in the southern city of Nara on Thursday. IWGA President José Perurena said, "We mourn with our friends from Japan and feel their loss. The deadly shooting casts a shadow over the Games." José Perurena expresses special regret to the World Archery Community. Shinzo Abe was the president of the Japanese Archery Federation. The competitions in this sport started on Friday. Wataru Oonuki will represent Japan in the field recurve men competition starting on Sunday. In total 128 athletes from Japan will compete at the World Games 2022.
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association, organised with the support of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 7-17 July 2022. 3,600 athletes from 34 sports and over 100 countries will take part in The World Games.