A Japanese volleyball player has taken the internet by storm with his extraordinary display of sportsmanship and humility. His dramatic apology after mistakenly hitting an official has gone viral in no time. The 26-year-old Osaka Bluteon captain sliding across the court in a gesture of remorse is captivating fans worldwide.
Yuji Nishida goes viral for his sliding apology
Yuji Nishida, the Japanese volleyball star, is winning hearts across the globe for his unusual apology. This came after he accidentally hit a female staff member with his serve during the SV League All-Star Game in Kobe. The volleyball player exhibited exemplary sportsmanship by performing a “dogeza” apology, sliding across the court in a remarkable display of remorse after inadvertently striking a courtside official with the ball.
For those curious, a dogeza is a traditional Japanese gesture of deep apology, where one kneels and bows low, often with forehead touching the ground, showing utmost respect and repentance.
The 26-year-old’s face contorted in shock as his powerful left-handed serve strayed off course, hitting a female judge on the back. The incident occurred during a half-time serving challenge at Kobe’s volleyball all-star event.
Thankfully, the judge was uninjured. But before she could even process what happened, Nishida’s 186cm frame was hurtling towards her. Nose-first and hands by his sides, Nishida’s dramatic slide sparked laughter and applause from teammates and spectators alike.
Nishida, however, was far from done. He dropped to his knees and continued to bow deeply, hands clasped together in a heartfelt plea for forgiveness. The crowd went wild as he stood up, still bowing, prompting the visibly flattered and slightly embarrassed personnel to return the gesture.
The video of Nishida’s apology has racked up millions of views online, with netizens flooding the comment section with praises. One fan called it a “work of art”, while another joked his “sliding grovel” was like a human version of curling.
Despite the mishap, Yuji Nishida led his team to a 3-0 victory, and according to AbemaTV, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. His viral moment showcases his reputation for having a massive heart and sets a high bar for apologies.
