Ayako Rokkaku has spoken of the importance of athletes educating themselves on competition manipulation ©WBSC

Japanese baseball star Ayako Rokkaku insists it is "essential" all top-level athletes educate themselves about the causes of competition manipulation.

Rokkaku, a World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) prevention of the manipulation of competition ambassador, was speaking at an integrity education programme organised by the Japanese Olympic Committee.

The 30-year-old’s presentation was under the theme of "learning about the prevention of new threats, manipulation and match fixing".

It was also the first in a series of educational talks for Japan’s national baseball team and junior members as well as coaches and National Federation staff.

"It was such an honour to present the inaugural event of the integrity education programme organised by the Japanese Olympic Committee," Rokkaku said.

"In today's fast-paced digital world, it is essential that as a top-level athlete, we educate and protect ourselves by understanding the issues that exist about causes of competition manipulation and how athletes can be targeted.

Japan's men's team are on a high after winning gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics ©Getty Images
Japan's men's team are on a high after winning gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics ©Getty Images

"We are role models for millions of fans, so we have a responsibility to play safe, play clean and show respect to all participants.

"Through this webinar, I trust the athletes will understand the importance of being honest with yourself and being honest with your teammates."

Rokkaku won the Women's Baseball World Cup with the Japanese team in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016.

She also earned most valuable player honours in 2010.

A certified WBSC Baseball5 instructor, Rokkaku is one of four WBSC prevention of the manipulation of competition ambassadors.

The others are Randolph Oduber of Aruba, Giovanni Pantaleoni of Italy and Ashley Stephenson of Canada.

The WBSC Integrity Unit is currently hosting a series of webinars in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee about preventing competition manipulation.

The second webinar is scheduled to be held on Tuesday (November 30).