Bhubaneswar: Japanese freestyle wrestling icon Risako Kawai, now known as Risako Kinjo, has officially announced her retirement from competitive wrestling at the age of 31. In a heartfelt message shared on her Instagram on October 11, 2025, Kinjo reflected on her 24-year journey in the sport, expressing a profound sense of fulfillment and gratitude for the support she received throughout her career.
Kinjo’s wrestling journey began at the age of seven in her hometown of Tsubata, Ishikawa Prefecture. Over the years, she has achieved remarkable success, including two Olympic gold medals and four World Championship titles. Her first Olympic gold came in 2016 at the Rio de Janeiro Games in the 63kg category. She followed this with another gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the 57kg division, solidifying her status as one of Japan’s most accomplished female wrestlers.
In addition to her Olympic successes, Kinjo has been a dominant force in World Wrestling Championships. She secured her first World Championship title in 2017 in Paris, competing in the 60kg category. She went on to win gold in the 59kg category in 2018 in Budapest, and in the 57kg category in 2019 in Nur-Sultan. Her final World Championship victory came in 2024 in Tirana, Albania, where she clinched the 59kg title, becoming the first Japanese wrestler to achieve this feat as a mother.
Kinjo’s retirement marks the end of an era in Japanese women’s wrestling. Her legacy is not only defined by her athletic achievements but also by her resilience and dedication to the sport. She leaves behind a legacy that has inspired countless athletes and contributed to the growth and recognition of women’s wrestling on the global stage.
As Kinjo steps away from the mat, she leaves behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration, having elevated the profile of women’s wrestling in Japan and around the world.
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