AFC Women's Asian Cup
Dohi’s decades-long experience has seen her wear several hats, ranging from being Japan’s team doctor to serving as a member of the AFC Medical Committee. Now, as the 21st edition of the Continental showpiece nears its conclusion, the FIFA Medical Officer reflected on the evolving landscape of sports medicine in Asia, particularly within women’s football.
“As more women began competing at major events, people realised that we needed female doctors, physiotherapists and other medical professionals to support them,” she said.
“For example, at the Olympic Games in 2004 in Athens, the Japanese delegation comprised almost 50 per cent female athletes, which made people realise that we also needed female medical personnel, while the introduction of doping control protocols created even more opportunities for women in the field.”
Having served in a myriad of roles, the 60-year-old has also had a front-row view of the increasing physical demands placed on elite footballers.
“The demands of sport have increased significantly,” she said. “Players must run faster, jump higher, and be stronger than before. Because of that, the risk of injury can also increase, which means medical support must meet a higher standard.”
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To that end, Dohi outlined the extensive systems in place at competitions such as the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ to respond swiftly and effectively to medical incidents, ranging from emergency equipment to trained paramedics and hospital transport protocols.
Moreover, with technology becoming an increasingly integral part of modern sports medicine, Dohi emphasised that its value lies in its application, especially with digital tools such as medical tablets and performance monitoring systems facilitating players’ health seamlessly.
“The basic principle is that we must ensure players are safe,” she explained. “We cannot have players suffering serious injury or illness because of sport.
“These days, digital data helps us understand situations more easily and share information with coaches and staff, but it is important that we use the data properly, as numbers alone cannot replace experience and judgement.”
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She also highlighted how technological advancements have improved the detection of previously overlooked issues such as concussions, further strengthening player welfare.
“In the past, coaches or players might not always understand how serious a concussion could be,” she said. “Now we can review incidents more clearly and explain the risks, ensuring players do not continue when it is unsafe.”
Beyond treatment, however, Dohi believes the future of sports medicine lies in prevention and in safeguarding athletes’ long-term well-being beyond their playing careers.
“Elite players often push their bodies to the limit in pursuit of success, but the effects of injuries can extend long after retirement,” said the Director of the JFA Medical Clinic. “During their careers, athletes may neglect injuries in order to compete and win titles, but we must also think about their lives after retirement. Our responsibility is to help protect their long-term health.”
With decades of experience amassed, Dohi now hopes to pass on her knowledge to the next generation of sports medicine professionals.
“I think now is the time to pass on our experience to younger doctors,” she said. “At the same time, we need to create systems that allow more female doctors to work in sports medicine.
“Player welfare is fundamental. The knowledge we develop in sport should benefit not only athletes, but society as a whole.”
Launched on the AFC Women’s Football Day in 2018, the AFC’s It’s My Game campaign continues to honour inspiring women in football across the Continent, reaching millions through the AFC’s digital platforms.
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