The road to French Alps 2030 is ongoing, since the formal process for a women’s event was initiated in 2022, but many more targets remain: eight nations from three global regions must have women’s Para ice hockey programmes, and there must be two editions of the World Championships.
Speaking at a press conference earlier at the Games, Fukunishi said: “At the World Championships, I received several enquiries from female athletes. From this opportunity at the Paralympic Games, I expect more Japanese female players to start Para ice hockey. I hope to come back in 2030 as a member of a Japan female team.”
Among the other nations that have begun the path to inaugurating Para ice hockey are India, Mexico, and Kazakhstan. The People’s Republic of China, building off the momentum of Beijing 2022 when they won mixed team bronze, are also interested.
There is also strong motivation to hold a World Championships later this year, though there is no secured host as of yet, there is strong intention to have women’s Para ice hockey on the Paralympic programme within the next few years.
If that goal is achieved in the near future, Fukunishi will be firmly placed as one of the sport’s trailblazers, alongside countless other women who have fought for the sport to make it to the Winter Paralympics.
Japan finished fourth out of four teams in their preliminary round group at Milano Cortina 2026, and following a defeat to hosts Italy, will contest the 7-8 classification game on Saturday (14 March).