Koryo High School, representing Hiroshima prefecture in Japan's prestigious summer high school baseball championships, has withdrawn from the tournament following a bullying scandal. The team pulled out on Sunday after reports emerged that several players had physically abused a younger teammate earlier this year.
The incident, which occurred in January at a school dormitory, involved four students shoving the victim in the chest and slapping his face, according to Japanese media. The school's internal investigation led to a severe reprimand from the tournament's organising body in March, but the case only became public recently, sparking a social media backlash and calls for the team's expulsion.
Koryo's principal, Masakazu Hori, expressed deep regret over the assault and announced the withdrawal to protect students and staff. 'We have decided to pull out, and will swiftly conduct an overhaul of our education method,' he told reporters. The head coach, Tetsuyuki Nakai, has been relieved of his duties pending an investigation.
The summer tournament at Koshien Stadium near Osaka is a highlight of Japan's sporting calendar, featuring 49 teams and drawing millions of viewers. It has launched the careers of stars like Shohei Ohtani. This is the first time in its history that a team has withdrawn after the games started, meaning Koryo will forfeit its second-round match.
Education Minister Toshiko Abe voiced 'deep regret' over the 'inexcusable' actions but warned against unfounded allegations on social media. Police are investigating after the victim filed a complaint, and a third-party body is examining additional allegations from a former team member.
