(photo: Meidai sports)
The Handball Club competed in the 2025 All-Japan Intercollegiate Handball Championship (“Intercollegiate Championship”), held at the Ishikawa General Sports Center (Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture) from November 2 to 6, and achieved its first-ever championship victory in the club’s history.
Both the quarterfinals and semifinals were won by a single point in close matches, advancing to the final. In the final, they faced Kwansei Gakuin University, who also had a shot at their first championship. Meiji team entered halftime with a commanding 18-10 lead, but faced a strong comeback from the Kwansei team in the second half. Despite this, goalkeeper SAKAMOTO Kyosuke (1st year, School of Business Administration) made a series of outstanding saves, holding the lead until the final whistle for a 34-28 victory.
Individual awards were received by players: SAKAMOTO, AOTO Naoki (1st year, School of Commerce) and TOCHIO Tasuku (3rd year, School of Law) for Outstanding Player Award; MUKOYACHI Kaito (3rd year, School of Business Administration) for Special Award; and Head Coach KATO Yoshinori (graduated from School of Agriculture in 2011, Meiji University staff member) for Outstanding Manager Award.
The Intercollegiate Championship, the final official match for the fourth-year players, ended with the long-awaited championship victory. Furthermore, based on the results of this tournament, it has been decided that the team will participate in the 77th Japan Handball Championship, held from December 17 to 21, through the Japan University Sports Association recommendation slot, not the Kanto Block slot.
TOCHIO shooting at the goal (photo: Meidai sports)
Comment from Head Coach KATO Yoshinori
We are extremely pleased to have achieved our first championship in the 87th year since the club’s founding. This new chapter in the history of Meiji University’s Handball Club, which boasts a long tradition, was made possible not only by the players’ daily dedication and hard work, but also by the support of our alumni, parents, and all those who have supported the club. We will not rest on this achievement but will strive for further growth, aiming for back-to-back championships as a united team.
Comment from captain HOKATANEDA Keita (4th year, School of Commerce)
I am truly delighted to have become the best in Japan. After finishing third in both the spring and fall league tournaments, I approached the Intercollegiate Championships with a strong determination to succeed. Though we faced tough matches from the very first game, I could feel the team growing with each match. I believe our victories over Chuo University and Kokushikan University were the result of that growth. I am proud that this team achieved the first championship in the club’s history, carving our name into Meiji University’s legacy. I am deeply grateful for the support of so many people.