On Monday, March 2, 2026, the Japan Association for University Athletics and Sport (UNIVAS) held the UNIVAS AWARDS 2025–26 ceremony at Shinagawa Intercity Hall in Minato City, Tokyo. The awards recognize athletes, students, coaches, and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of university sports. Two students from Ritsumeikan University were recognized for their achievements. Kenji Mori (3rd year, College of Social Sciences), a member of the Karate Club (Shinsei), received the Para Athlete of the Year Grand Prize, while Koutoku Kubota (4th year, College of Letters), a member of the Badminton Club, was awarded the Supporting Staff of the Year Grand Prize (Men’s Division).

Sponsored by UNIVAS, the UNIVAS Awards recognize and honor student-athletes as well as students, alumni, coaches, and organizations involved in sports who have made outstanding achievements not only in athletic performance but also in academic performance, safety and well-being, and the promotion of collegiate sports. By recognizing and sharing these outstanding efforts, the awards aim to invigorate university sports throughout Japan.

Mori achieved remarkable success at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics held in November 2025, winning a gold medal in the men’s individual kata and a bronze medal in the men’s individual kumite in the under 60 kg category. In recognition of these accomplishments, he also received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Prize.

Kubota, serving as manager of the Badminton Club, played a leading role in establishing the Ibaritsu Badminton Club, a community-based club launched in collaboration with Ibaraki City and corporate partners. He boldly tackled the challenge of creating a new kind of athletic environment developed jointly by the local community and the university.

In addition, the Ibaritsu Badminton Club’s initiative to expand junior high school club activities into the community was commended, with the Japan Intercollegiate Badminton Federation selecting it for the Outstanding University Sports Organization Management Award.

Comment from Kenji Mori (3rd year, College of Social Sciences), Para Athlete of the Year Grand Prize Winner

Comment from Koutoku Kubota (4th year, College of Letters), Supporting Staff of the Year Grand Prize Winner (Men’s Division)