Songs to Play Before a Match: Athlete-Approved Anthems and Pump-Up Tracks That Overflow with Power
At those crucial moments—like during daily practice or right before an important match—music stays by our side and gives us tremendous strength.
Many of you probably listen to your favorite songs to boost your spirits as you head into those special moments.
In this article, we’ve picked out uplifting, heart-stirring anthems that raise your motivation.
From upbeat tracks that fire up your fighting spirit, to relaxing numbers that wrap you in a sense of calm, to athletes’ personal favorites—we’ve gathered a wide variety of songs.
We hope you’ll find them helpful.
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[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Also Loved by Athletes!? Power-Packed Anthems and Clutch Tracks (171–180)
AnnyeongHyorin
Here’s what men’s fencing athlete Kenta Tokunan listened to before his matches: a song by Hyolyn, the singer who was active as a member of the Korean idol group SISTAR.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “My Love from the Star,” and became a hot topic.
Since Tokunan’s coach was Korean, he studied Korean through music, and eventually got hooked on this song.
Run, runBeibī Reizu JAPAN
“Hashire, Hashire” is a single released in 2016, a song brimming with the signature intensity of Babyraids JAPAN.
Its exhilarating, fast-paced sound and unison vocals—especially the beloved chorus—turn worries about the future and grueling practice into the power to take on what lies ahead.
It may particularly resonate with themes of female friendship and club activities.
There’s an atmosphere like someone running alongside you, helping you feel the strength to take that extra step forward.
Perfect when you want a no-holds-barred cheer song: it boosts your motivation and helps you deliver your best performance!
heartbeat soundMiura Daichi
This piece by Daichi Miura was created to inspire the hearts of TEAM JAPAN as they take on the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Centered on the theme of athletes’ heartbeats, it expresses the effort accumulated second by second and the challenges that lie ahead.
Its powerful beat and Miura’s soaring vocals resonate with the athletes’ racing hearts and move all who listen.
Released digitally in July 2024, it’s also featured in TEAM JAPAN’s concept movie.
Fencer Kazuyasu Minobe and gymnast Daiki Hashimoto have both said the song is a great source of encouragement.
It’s the perfect track for anyone about to take a step toward a new challenge—one that will surely give you a push forward.
HalationHata Motohiro
Written as the theme song for high school baseball in 2009, “Halation” is Motohiro Hata’s eighth single.
It was used for Asahi Broadcasting/TV Asahi’s National High School Baseball Championship broadcasts, “Nettou Koshien,” and “Sokuhou! Koshien e no Michi,” and it reached No.
10 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
Its driving rhythm and poignant sound make it a perfect fit for high school ballplayers chasing their youth.
The intro alone stirs up a fighting spirit that makes you want to give it your all—highly recommended!
rainbow-coloredayaka
This is the song that women’s fencing athlete Chika Aoki says she listens to before matches.
It’s a track by Ayaka, a singer-songwriter from Osaka Prefecture.
Released in 2014 as her 13th single, it was chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Hanako to Anne” and became a big hit.
Aoki says she discovered the song at her cousin’s wedding.
The gentle vocals are truly soothing.
[Songs to Play Before a Match] Beloved by Athletes Too!? Power-Packed Anthems and Battle Tracks (181–190)
I’m The ChampionAI
This cheer song was used as the official theme for the Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis held in 2016.
The vocalist is AI, a beloved national singer known for her soulful voice.
The piece conveys a powerful determination, as if boldly declaring, “I am the champion.” AI’s mighty vocals ignite listeners’ inner fighting spirit and deliver an energetic track that seems to lead them to victory.
It was also chosen as the theme song for WOWOW’s women’s golf tour, giving courage to many.
You can hear it on the album Wa to Yo.
It’s perfect for getting pumped up before a match.
Be sure to check it out!
I Miss The MiseryHalestorm
Halestorm is a rock band from the United States.
As a hard rock band with a female vocalist, they boast top-tier popularity and prowess.
Among Halestorm’s works, the track I especially recommend is I Miss The Misery.
It’s quintessential hard rock, with a high-voltage, hard-hitting sound from the verse straight through the chorus.
Lizzy Hale’s high-pitched shouts will crank your motivation straight into top gear.
