(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Koryo High School Withdraws from Japan’s Prestigious Summer Baseball Tournament Following Abuse Allegations
Koryo High School, representing Hiroshima prefecture, has withdrawn from the summer high school baseball championships after reports surfaced that several teenage players abused a younger teammate. The team’s sudden exit marks a rare moment in the tournament’s 74-year history.
The Japan High School Baseball Federation issued a severe reprimand in March after an internal investigation confirmed that four students physically assaulted a junior player at the school dormitory earlier this year. The victim was reportedly shoved and slapped, and later transferred to another school following an apology from the assailants.
The allegations triggered a public outcry on social media, including calls for the team’s expulsion and hostile incidents targeting Koryo students. The summer championship at Koshien Stadium, near Osaka, is one of Japan’s most popular sporting events, attracting millions of viewers and showcasing future baseball stars like Shohei Ohtani.
Koryo’s principal, Masakazu Hori, said the decision to withdraw was made to protect students and staff and pledged a swift overhaul of the school’s education policies. The team’s head coach, Tetsuyuki Nakai, has been suspended pending ongoing investigations, which also involve police and a third-party review of further allegations.
Education Minister Toshiko Abe expressed deep regret over the incident and urged caution against spreading unfounded social media claims.
This is not the first controversy in the tournament, which has faced criticism for its strict and traditional approach. Past incidents include bullying allegations at PL Gakuen High School and recent disciplinary measures limiting player behavior during ceremonies.
The Japan High School Baseball Federation confirmed its commitment to eradicating violence and bullying from the sport.
Koryo’s withdrawal means the team forfeits its upcoming second-round game. In a sign of ongoing tensions, members of a rival team refused to shake hands after their recent match against Koryo.
The summer high school baseball tournament continues to be a cornerstone of Japanese amateur sports, known for its passion, tradition, and impact on young athletes’ futures.
