The Japanese Olympic Committee's Asnavi initiative pairs athletes with employers ©Getty Images

The Japanese Olympic Committee has helped three athletes to find work which will allow them to also remain committed to sporting endeavors through its "Asnavi" programme.

Volleyball player Sayaka Yamada, fencer Yohito Masuda and short track speed skater Shun Saito are all due to start new jobs by the beginning of April.

Yamada has found a role at automobile manufacturer Toyota, Saito at real estate firm Housecom and Masuda is joining linen specialist Shin Nippon Wex.

Asnavi is a JOC employment initiative which seeks to pair athletes with companies able to offer them jobs which take into account the sportspeople's competitive responsibilities.

It is designed to give athletes peace of mind and allow corporations to contribute to society through the well-being and camaraderie benefits sport offers.

Shun Saito, far right, is among he latest athletes to benefit from the Asnavi scheme ©Getty Images
Shun Saito, far right, is among he latest athletes to benefit from the Asnavi scheme ©Getty Images

Eighteen further Japanese athletes are listed as seeking employment opportunities on the Asnavi database.

Saito is a former national champion across multiple short track distances.

Masuda has represented Japan at age-group World Championships and notably finished runner-up in a junior épée World Cup in Tokyo in 2019.

Yamada is a national university champion and has also represented Japan at international age-group competitions.