Kazuhiro Ninomiya facts for kids
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| Born | {{#property:P569}} | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Died | Error: Need valid death date (first date): year, month, day | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation | Judoka | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Country | Japan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Judo | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight class | –93 kg, +93 kg, Open | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| World finals |  (1973) |
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| Regional finals |  (1972) |
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| Olympic finals |  (1976) |
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Medal record
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| Updated on 21 June 2023. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kazuhiro Ninomiya (二宮 和弘, Ninomiya Kazuhiro) (28 November 1946 – 4 May 2026) was a Japanese judoka who competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics. Kazuhiro Ninomiya (born November 28, 1946, died May 4, 2026) was a celebrated Japanese judoka, which means he was a master of the martial art of judo. He is best known for winning a gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics. Ninomiya's journey in judo was marked by dedication and impressive victories, making him a true legend in the sport.
Contents
Kazuhiro Ninomiya: A Judo Champion
Kazuhiro Ninomiya's life was dedicated to the sport of judo. He achieved many great things during his career. His story shows how hard work and determination can lead to success.
Early Life and Training
After finishing his studies at Tenri University, Ninomiya joined a special judo training school. This school was called Shoki Juku. He trained there under the famous instructor Isao Okano. In April 1972, Ninomiya became a police officer in Fukuoka Prefecture. That same year, he showed his talent by placing third in the All-Japan Judo Championships.
Rising Through the Ranks
Ninomiya quickly became a top judoka. He won a gold medal in the heavyweight division at the Asian Judo Championships in 1970. Later, in 1973, he became a world champion. He won the open weight division at the 1973 World Judo Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland. He achieved this by defeating Haruki Uemura, who would also become an Olympic gold medalist. In 1975, Ninomiya earned a silver medal at the 1975 World Judo Championships. He then won the All-Japan Judo Championships for the first time in 1976. This victory qualified him for the 1976 Summer Olympics.
A Unique Olympic Challenge
The 1976 Olympics presented a special challenge for Ninomiya. The Japanese Olympic team had already chosen other athletes for the heaviest weight classes. These were Haruki Uemura for the Openweight division and Sumio Endo for the Heavyweight division. This meant Ninomiya had to compete in a lighter category. He entered the competition as a half heavyweight (–93 kg). To do this, he had to lose more than 7 kilograms (about 15 pounds) from his usual weight.
Achieving Olympic Gold
Despite the challenge of changing his weight class, Ninomiya excelled. He was quite tall for a half heavyweight, standing at 6 feet 2 inches. He used his long reach and height to his advantage. Ninomiya made history by becoming the first Japanese judoka to win a gold medal in the half heavyweight division. He remains one of the very few Japanese judoka to have won an Olympic medal in this specific category.
Life After Competition
Ninomiya retired from competitive judo after the 1978 Jigoro Kano Cup. He retired alongside his friend and rival, Isamu Sonoda. They shared a unique bond, being born in the same year. They also joined the same police force, competed in the same major championships, and retired at the same time. After his competitive career, Ninomiya continued to contribute to judo. He served as an advisor for various judo committees. In 2007, he became a judo instructor at the Nishinippon Institute of Technology.
Remembering Kazuhiro Ninomiya
Kazuhiro Ninomiya passed away on May 4, 2026, at the age of 79. He will always be remembered as a dedicated athlete and a pioneering Olympic champion in the world of judo.
See also
In Spanish: Kazuhiro Ninomiya para niños
- List of judoka
- List of Olympic medalists in judo
