Two Japanese boccia players have said they are impressed with progress at the sport's Tokyo 2020 Paralympic venue ©Getty Images

Two Japanese boccia players have said they are impressed with progress at the sport's Tokyo 2020 Paralympic venue. 

Hidetaka Sugimura and Takayuki Hirose, who both won mixed team silver at Rio 2016, toured the Ariake Gymnastics Centre as they prepare for a home Games.

The pair highlighted the nearby warm-up facility as a main plus as well as the plans to ensure the smooth movement of athletes.

Tokyo 2020 organisers have designed the waterfront venue - which will host Olympic gymnastics - based on accessibility guidelines.

"I felt like it's an environment where I'll be able to play at ease," Sugimura said to Kyodo News. 

Hidetaka Sugimura and Takayuki Hirose were left impressed after their tour of the site ©Getty Images
Hidetaka Sugimura and Takayuki Hirose were left impressed after their tour of the site ©Getty Images

Last month, Tokyo 2020 said the Ariake Gymnastics Centre is 62 per cent finished and is scheduled to be ready in October of this year.

Its roof was raised into position in October 2018.

Sugimura and Hirose also visited elementary and middle school Ariake Nishi Gakuen to talk about their sport.

The school has been designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government as a "boccia cheering school".

This has seen students and staff learn more about boccia.