Shingo Kunieda is set to become the first Paralympic athlete to receive the People’s Honour Award by the Japanese government.

Kunieda, who retired in January following a record-breaking 21-year international career in wheelchair tennis, will receive the prestigious award on March 17 at the Prime Minister’s office in Tokyo.

The People’s Honour Award, given to outstanding people across the sports, entertainment and culture sectors, has been bestowed upon 26 individuals and one group since 1977, with Kunieda confirmed as the latest recipient by Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno following a news conference on Friday.

“He gave dreams and thrills to the people and brought hope and courage to society,” said Matsuno.

国際テニス連盟（ＩＴＦ）のデービッド・ハガティ会長の会見が行われ、スペシャルゲストとして #車いすテニス 元世界１位 #国枝慎吾 さんが登場。

国枝さんの功績をたたえ、ハガティ会長から記念品が贈られました。

🎁はＩＴＦのロゴ入りワイングラスだそうです🍷@ITFTennis | @shingokunieda pic.twitter.com/83FGeDLHXy

— 日本テニス協会 広報部 (@JTA_PR_Team) March 7, 2023

Kunieda, who took up wheelchair tennis two years after being diagnosed with a spinal tumour at the age of nine, went on to become the most decorated men’s player in the history of the sport, winning 50 Grand Slam titles, six Paralympic medals (including four golds) and spent 582 weeks as the men’s wheelchair singles world No. 1.

This latest accolade is further recognition of both his incredible achievements and wide-ranging impact.

"I feel honoured and humbled," said 39-year-old Kunieda.

"I hope this will lead to the development of not only wheelchair tennis but also Para sports as a whole."

News of Kunieda’s impending accolade coincided with ITF President David Haggerty’s visit to the offices of the Japanese Tennis Association, where he made a small presentation to Kunieda on Monday to commemorate his retirement from the sport.