At the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, cheer signs using vibrant colored gloves are energizing the event to support deaf or hard-of-hearing athletes. Devised by the Tokyo metropolitan government and other organizations, these gestures convey encouragement that cannot be heard through applause or cheers. About 100 spectators joined in during Sunday's men's volleyball match between Japan and Italy.
The Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, an international sports event for athletes who are deaf or hard of hearing, is being energized by "Cheer Signs," gestures designed to convey support. Devised by the Tokyo metropolitan government and other organizations, these signs help athletes who cannot hear applause or vocal encouragement. There are three patterns: "Go!" involves fluttering both hands beside the face and thrusting them forward; "It’s okay, you can win!" means thrusting both fists forward; and "Japan, get medals!" is passing the right hand under the left.
At the men’s volleyball match between Japan and Italy held in Tokyo on Sunday, about 100 spectators wore “support gloves” in red, blue, yellow, or green, the four colors of the Deaflympics emblem. They signed “Go!” each time Japan scored a point and “It’s okay, you can win!” to encourage the Japanese team when Italy scored.
The support gloves were designed by about 10 students participating in the “Para-Sports Design College” (PDC), an initiative promoting sports for people with disabilities. Near the volleyball venue, PDC participants set up a booth where spectators could decorate their gloves with beads and stickers to engage in Cheer Signs.
PDC member Sara Nagatani, a 20-year-old second-year college student, led the cheers while wearing the gloves. “We were able to enjoy cheering with a sense of unity,” Nagatani said.
This approach fosters a unique cheering culture for deaf sports, enhancing the event's atmosphere.