Akari Chargers’ Fifi Sharma with Japan volleyball star Ran Takahashi. –FIFI SHARMA TIKTOK
MANILA, Philippines — Fifi Sharma emerged as Ran Takahashi’s ultimate fan after getting her sneakers signed by the Japanese volleyball star as the highlight of their multiple interactions the past week.
Sharma took to her social media accounts to express her gratitude to Takahashi after accommodating his Filipino fans including her after the two-time Olympian “agreed to her very polite request” to sign her golden goose sneakers.
The 22-year-old Japanese wrote “Ran Takahashi was here” on the sneakers of the Alas Pilipinas star.
READ: Fifi Sharma ‘fangirls’ over Japan, USA stars as VNL wraps up
“I was rushing that morning and I couldn’t find footsocks. I didn’t have socks so I couldn’t take off my shoes! I did let him know, not sure if he understood, though,” said Sharma. “I tried my best to hold it up [very] high, but I’m not that flexible. Hope this makes everyone feel better.”
‘BEST THING I’VE DONE IN MY LIFETIME’
LOOK: Fifi Sharma got Japanese volleyball player Ran Takahashi to sign her sneakers during the latter’s visit to Manila. | 📷: Screengrab from Sharma/TikTok pic.twitter.com/wrQrHhJAsH
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) August 25, 2024
Sharma and Faith Nisperos joined Takahashi’s meet and greet at SM Megamall on Friday and an event with the Akari and Nxled members at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The 6-foot-2 outside hitter also went to the PVL and supported Akari in its 17-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23 win over Farm Fresh in the Reinforced Conference for its breakthrough semifinal appearance on Saturday evening.
READ: Ran Takahashi swings by PVL quarterfinals, inspires Akari players
Akari’s Japanese coach Taka Minowa and Grethcel Soltones believe that Takahashi’s presence has inspired the team, calling him their lucky charm.
“The nicest. Ran, thank you for making all the Filipino volleyball fans happy. And for introducing Akari to many of your fans,” Sharma wrote.
Takahashi also accommodated some PVL fans and even athletes Aby Maraño and Filipino-Ivorian fencer Maxine Esteban.
The young middle blocker has been fangirling over Takahashi and other international volleyball players since the country hosted the Volleyball Nations League last June.
Sharma missed the Reinforced Conference with Nisperos due to their commitment to Alas Pilipinas but the Chargers still reached the semis for the first time in six conferences, qualifying for the Invitationals next month with the top four and two foreign guest teams including defending champion Kurashiki Ablaze of Japan.