Akari Fukunishi
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | 23 November 1990 Takatsuki, Japan |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Ice sledge hockey |
| Position | Defenceman |
Akari Fukunishi (born 23 November 1990) is a Japanese ice sledge hockey player. She was the only woman to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in para ice hockey.
Biography
In March 2021, while riding her motorcycle, Akari was struck by a car, leading to a critical injury. She regained mobility but lost the ability to run or jump.[1]
At the 2025 Women's World Para Ice Hockey Championship in Slovakia, the inaugural edition of the tournament, Akari played for Team World. Team World was composed of players who do not have their own national team.[2]
Akari was the only woman to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in para ice hockey.[3][4][5][6] She the fourth woman to take part in para ice hockey in the history of the Paralympics.[7]
References
- ↑ "Para Ice Hockey: A Groundbreaking Journey for Women in Sports". Japan Daily. 2025-10-23. Retrieved 2026-06-25.
- ↑ "In para ice hockey, a tentative move towards mixed teams before a 100% female tournament?". Francs Jeux. Retrieved 2026-06-25.
- ↑ "Paralympics: Japan women make milestone debuts in ice hockey, snowboard". Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS. 2026-03-09. Retrieved 2026-03-10.
- ↑ "Winter Paralympics 2026: The 'mixed' team event with one woman". BBC Sport. 2026-03-10. Retrieved 2026-03-10.
- ↑ Kennedy, Ian (2026-03-09). "Akari Fukunishi Is The Only Woman Competing In Para Ice Hockey At The 2026 Paralympics As She Carries The Torch For All Women". The Hockey News. Retrieved 2026-03-10.
- ↑ "福西 朱莉｜ミラノ・コルティナパラ アイスホッケーの注目選手｜パラサポWEB". パラサポWEB (in Japanese). Retrieved 2026-06-25.
- ↑ "Three players, one shared dream: a Paralympic women's Para ice hockey tournament". International Paralympic Committee. Retrieved 2026-06-25.