Unleash Your Inner Champion: 35 Must-Watch Sports Anime That Will Inspire You!

Anime encompasses numerous subcategories, ranging from pure fantasy to those with a more grounded approach to storytelling. Notably, among the realistic ones, sports anime are quite popular, despite the seemingly odd pairing of anime and athletics. However, there’s an impressive array of anime series that delve into various sports, including team games and martial arts. This article will introduce you to some top-notch choices within this genre.

The list will be made up of 35 distinct entries, with an aim to cover a wide range of sports and both classic and modern anime shows for your entertainment.

35. Ro-Kyu-Bu!

Original Run: July 1, 2011 – September 24, 2011 
Number of Episodes: 12

As a passionate moviegoer, I’d rephrase that as follows: Growing up, I was widely recognized as a prodigious basketball talent, particularly excelling as a point guard. Even foreign youth league scouts took notice, but I was resolute about forging my career in my homeland. That’s why I chose to attend Nanashiro Private High School, earning a sports scholarship along the way. Unfortunately, fate dealt me an unexpected blow when a complicated situation involving the team captain and the coach’s daughter led to the temporary shutdown of our basketball club, leaving us infamously labeled as ‘lolicons’.

After a brief spell of melancholy, Aunt Mihoshi welcomed me home with an intriguing proposition – to train a brand new girls’ team at her elementary school! With a flurry of persuasive words, I found myself agreeing to this exciting opportunity. Thus, as the eager coach, I stepped into Keixin Academy, where five lively sixth-graders were waiting for my arrival.

34. Aim for the Ace!

Original Run: October 5, 1973 – March 31, 1979
Number of Episodes: 51

The narrative focuses on Jenny, a timid yet passionate tennis enthusiast, who strives to excel in her sport: we follow her journey and the ups and downs, including unrequited love, as she embarks on her tennis career. Once she joins high school, she’s captivated by Reika upon her first encounter at a renowned tennis club, leaving her star-struck.

This girl eagerly strives to mimic and learn from an older teammate, affectionately referred to as “Madame Butterfly” for her elegant playstyle, who’s not only the school’s top player but also inspires her. She consistently works hard and shows immense determination on tennis courts, a sport she cherishes deeply, with aspirations of competing in the most esteemed tournaments. Her ultimate goal is to emulate Reika, a figure she greatly respects and looks up to.

33. Ganbare, Kickers!

Original Release: October 15, 1986 – March 25, 1987
Number of Episodes: 26

The narrative revolves around an elementary school soccer team from Kitahara, struggling with a less-than-stellar striker. However, when Kakeru Daichi’s family settles in their city, this youngster joins the team specifically as a striker, quickly establishing himself as a valuable asset to the team.

With Kakeru joining the team, the roster is now fully assembled and this gives them the confidence to take on the formidable “Red Devils”. Even though Kakeru’s team suffered a significant defeat with a score of 10-1, the young talent from Kitahara astonishingly found the back of the net against Uesugi, a goalkeeper previously thought to be unbeatable.

32. Breakers

Original Run: January 7, 2020 – May 26, 2020
Number of Episodes: 16

In this anime, the narrative revolves around a band of para-athletes who encounter an isolated sports scientist named Ren Narita. The show is structured into four distinct tales, each focusing on a different sport: wheelchair basketball, track and field (high jump), goalball, and Paralympic swimming. The basketball storyline follows Kai as he strives to excel in his game, aiming to emulate the success and coolness of his brother Shun.

31. Stars Align

Original Run: October 10, 2019 – December 26, 2019
Number of Episodes: 12

Due to his mother’s relocation, Maki Katsuragi is now attending a different high school. There, he encounters an old elementary school friend named Tōma Shinjō who promptly encourages him to sign up for the boys’ soft tennis team. The reason being, this club is at risk of shutting down as it hasn’t had any significant success in years, unlike the girls’ soft tennis team.

With the athletic Maki, Toma is eagerly looking forward to potentially winning a tournament together. When Toma, in his desperation, proposes payment for Maki’s club time, Maki eventually agrees, although he’s quite busy assisting his single mother with household chores. He also wants to contribute financially to the family. On the very same night, Maki’s separated father unexpectedly enters their apartment and, in a shocking turn of events, beats Maki and makes off with the money he had been saving.

30. Inazuma Eleven

Original Release: October 5, 2008 – April 27, 2011
Number of Episodes: 127

In a time not so long ago, the Raimon football team was renowned for its strength. However, unfortunately, the club is currently facing disbandment due to insufficient membership. It now falls upon Mark Evans, our team captain, to resurrect Raimon’s former glory by capturing the coveted Football Frontier title.

The extraterrestrials attack our planet, but they propose a unique condition: if Earth’s football team loses, they’ll depart. Mark, along with other Japanese players, prepares to protect the Earth by participating in the game. A global tournament named Football Frontier International is established, and Japan will put forth its top talents in an attempt to emerge victorious on a worldwide scale.

29. Air Gear

Original Release: April 4, 2006 – September 26, 2006
Number of Episodes: 25

Ikki “Babyface” Minami is a spirited middle school student residing under the roof of four girls who he affectionately refers to as his siblings. One of them, Ringo, harbors hidden feelings for him. Known as the head of the Higashi Guns (Higachû), Ikki boasts about his street fighting skills and is believed to be unmatched due to his size by his peers. However, during a confrontation with a group of Storm Riders, he suffers a heavy defeat. In retaliation, he plans to steal a pair of ATs from one of his sisters as a form of retribution.

28. Chihayafuru

Original Release: October 4, 2011 – March 24, 2020
Number of Episodes: 74 + OVA

In the sixth grade of elementary school, Chihaya Ayase had a dream that her sister would be recognized as a model. This aspiration changed when she encountered Arata Wataya, a new classmate from Fukui, who not only helped her understand the essence of her dream but also introduced her to the enchantment of an ancient Japanese card game – Karuta.

As a movie buff, I’m no different when it comes to Arata’s ambition – it mirrors my own: to master the art of karuta and claim the title of Japan’s finest player. Chihaya, with her knack for picking up on people’s passions, will soon be swept away by this captivating game, leading her to envision a new goal: to rise above all in Japan as an unparalleled karuta player.

27. Clean Freak! Aoyama-kun

Original Release: July 2, 2017 – September 17, 2017
Number of Episodes: 12

Aoyama, an exceptionally skilled young football player, boasts an unbeaten record throughout his career, but what sets him apart is his meticulous nature. As a member of Japan’s Under-16 squad, he made headlines by opting to join the relatively unknown Fujimi High School team. Surrounded by teammates who are both wild and ambitious, Aoyama aims to elevate Fujimi High School to the pinnacle of the national championship.

26. Ahiru no Sora

Original Run: October 2, 2019 – September 30, 2020
Number of Episodes: 50

Sora Kurumatani, who’s short on the crucial basketball trait, has faced challenges due to his small size since he developed a passion for the sport. Yet, his indomitable spirit refuses to let his size limit his play, his determination to excel, and his dedication to prove himself through relentless training. With aspirations to fulfill his mother’s dreams, Sora enrolls at Kuzuryuu High School and joins the basketball team with the goal of participating in tournaments wholeheartedly.

I was quite disheartened when I found out that the school’s basketball team seemed more like a hangout for rough characters who weren’t really into the game. It turns out even the brothers Chiaki and Momoharu Hanazono, whom I had high hopes for, had lost their initial passion for playing.

Eager to rejuvenate the basketball team, Sora issues a challenge to the boys, proposing a match against him. His agile footwork and swift moves leave the team in awe. As they are impressed by Sora’s impressive abilities, tireless dedication, and sheer basketball skill, the boys find themselves rekindling their once-lost enthusiasm for the game.

25. Yawara! A Fashionable Judo Girl!

Original Release: October 16, 1989 – September 21, 1992
Number of Episodes: 124

Yawara Inokuma appears to be an ordinary high school girl, but in reality, she’s been covertly trained by her legendary grandpa in judo since childhood with the aim of winning an Olympic gold medal. However, unlike her grandfather’s ambition, Yawara yearns for a simple, everyday life.

24. Victory Kickoff!!

Original Release: April 3, 2012 – February 26, 2013
Number of Episodes: 39

Shō Ota is a passionate elementary school student who adores soccer and is a member of the Momoyama Predators. Unfortunately, due to various circumstances, the entire team decides to leave the club, resulting in its dissolution.

Yet, Shō remains undaunted, and upon encountering Erika, a fellow youth who shares his fervor for football, he resolves to search for additional players to rebuild an even more formidable team, with ambitions set on competing in the regional tournament.

23. Baby Steps

Original Run: April 6, 2014 – September 20, 2015
Number of Episodes: 50

The manga titled “Baby Steps” was penned and illustrated by Hikaru Katsuki. It ran in Weekly Shōnen Magazine from October 2007 to November 2017, with a total of 47 volumes published by Kodansha. An animated television series adaptation, produced by Pierrot studio, was aired between April and September 2014. A second season followed, airing between April and September 2015.

One day, Eiichirô Maruo, who was focused on his studies as a student, found himself drawn to the tennis court where the school’s players were practicing. It was the sport of tennis that caught his attention, especially its standout members, Takuma Egawa and Natsu Takasaki. Intrigued, Eiichirô made the decision to dedicate himself fully to this new passion. Despite having a weak physical condition, he utilized his sharp intellect and analytical skills to make rapid progress, ultimately overcoming his opponents and turning professional in the game.

Unlike many sports manga and anime, such as “Prince of Tennis,” this work steers clear of elaborate, implausible techniques. It maintains a relatively realistic portrayal of the sport, encompassing both technical, physical, and mental aspects.

22. Yowamushi Pedal

Original Release: October 7, 2013 – June 25, 2018
Number of Episodes: 112

In simple terms, Sakamichi Onoda is a high school freshman who’s an anime enthusiast. His goal is to join the school’s anime club and forge friendships. Unfortunately, the club had to close due to low membership. Now, he’s on a mission to gather enough people so they can restart the club. Despite this setback, he remains optimistic and determined, aiming to walk through Tokyo’s Akihabara district with his newfound friends, enjoying their shared passion for anime.

Shunsuke Imaizumi and Shōkichi Naruko stumbled upon him, and soon after, they invited him to be part of their cycling club. Intrigued by the feelings he encountered while riding with these two young bikers, he chose to take a shot at joining the club.

21. The Knight in the Area

Original Release: January 7, 2012 – September 28, 2012
Number of Episodes: 37

Kakeru Aizawa is Suguru Aizawa’s younger brother. Suguru is an exceptionally talented football player, part of Japan’s under-15 national team. Before the story begins, Kakeru gave up his role as a forward due to a distressing event that made it difficult for him to play with his left leg. Instead, he chose to work behind the scenes in a managerial capacity.

Following a tragic accident where they were both struck by a truck, Suguru perished but his heart was donated to Kakeru. This life-giving organ enabled Kakeru to revive his passion for football, as he strived to achieve the shared dream that he and his late brother held – winning the World Cup.

20. Dash Kappei

Original Run: October 4, 1981 – December 26, 1982 
Number of Episodes: 65

The protagonist of this tale is Kappei Sakamoto, a short yet exceptionally agile high school student. Despite his petite stature that barely reaches a meter, he attends Seirin High School and astonishes everyone with his basketball prowess, rapidly establishing himself as one of the school’s top players.

19. Ping Pong the Animation

Original Release: April 11, 2014 – June 20, 2014
Number of Episodes: 11

The narrative revolves around two friends, Tsukimoto (nicknamed ‘Smile’) and Hoshino (known as ‘Peko’), who have been playing table tennis together since they were elementary school students. Tsukimoto, the quiet boy with glasses often compared to a robot by those who know him, plays table tennis casually to pass the time; on the other hand, Hoshino, the energetic and captivating individual whom Tsukimoto adored from their childhood, plays because of his profound affection for table tennis and his intense dislike for losing.

18. Hikaru no Go

Original Release: October 10, 2001 – March 26, 2003
Number of Episodes: 75

One day in his grandfather’s loft, the youth named Hikaru stumbles upon an ancient go board. Remarkably, this artifact harbors a spirit named Sai, who was once the emperor’s go instructor during the Heian period. Trapped within Hikaru’s consciousness, Sai subtly stirs his interest in the game of go. Guided by Sai initially, Hikaru competes and beats Akira, an exceptionally talented young player. From that point forward, these two budding masters continue to advance and grow.

17. GIANT KILLING

Original Release: April 4, 2010 – September 26, 2010
Number of Episodes: 26

Tatsumi Takeshi, a legendary former player with prior experience coaching an English amateur team.

Initially, the ETU struggled as they drew with Tokyo Victory and then lost five consecutive games. However, after beating Nagoya, they went on a winning streak. Subsequently, there were several draws, a loss, and finally, a victory over the Osaka Gunners.

The ETU started off poorly with a draw against Tokyo Victory, followed by five straight losses. But after defeating Nagoya, they began to win games consistently. There were some draws in between, a loss, and ultimately, they emerged victorious against the Osaka Gunners.

16. Kaleido Star

Original Release: April 4, 2003 – March 27, 2004
Number of Episodes: 51

16-year-old Sora Naegino, a Japanese girl with big dreams, has always yearned to join the renowned Kaleido-Stage troupe and shine as its leading artist. Upon making up her mind, she went for an audition for additional artists. Unfortunately, a series of unfavorable events led her to miss that particular examination upon her arrival.

She had vowed to abandon her dream if it didn’t succeed, but was waiting for a chance to showcase her skills and become part of the Japanese troupe, should the opportunity arise.

15. tsuritama

Original Release: April 13, 2012 – 28 June 28, 2012
Number of Episodes: 12

Yuki Sanada is a perpetually mobile high school student with difficulties in social interactions. Upon his arrival at Enoshima Island, he encounters Haru, who reveals himself as an extraterrestrial and tasks Yuki with capturing a fish for him. Assisted by Natsuki, known as the fishing royalty, and eventually Akira, their objective becomes clear: to safeguard Enoshima Island.

14. Ginban Kaleidoscope

Original Release: October 8, 2005 – December 24, 2005
Number of Episodes: 12

Tazusa Sakurano, a renowned figure skating champion, experiences a slip-up during her routine and falls. Meanwhile, Pete Pumps, an aviator known for his acrobatics, mistakes a trick and gets a scratch. Upon reaching Paradise, he discovers it’s full, forcing him to wait 100 days. Unpleasantly, he’s tasked with bothering Tazusa during this period.

13. DAYS

Original Release: July 2, 2016 – December 18, 2016
Number of Episodes: 24 + 5 OVA

At Seiseki High School, the introverted Tsukushi Tsukamoto has just started attending. During a visit to his childhood friend Sayuri Tachibana and his senior colleague at work, Tsukushi finds himself under attack by a band of bullies. To his rescue comes Jin Kazama, an outgoing and unconventional schoolmate, who invites him for a game of soccer without realizing it.

For Tsukushi, the game reveals his limitations, yet Jin’s remarkable skills captivate him so much that he decides to join the school’s football team. However, the Seiseki team is highly renowned and sought after by youth from across the nation, which means Tsukushi will need to put forth significant effort and determination to gain acceptance.

12. Princess Nine

Original Release: April 8, 1998 – October 14, 1998
Number of Episodes: 26

As a passionate movie-goer penning my thoughts, I find myself captivated by the empowering tale of “Kisuragi School’s Women’s Baseball Team.” At the helm of this inspiring journey is Keiko Himuro, our resilient school principal, who dares to challenge societal norms by establishing a baseball team for girls. The team is spearheaded by none other than Ryo Hayakawa, the daughter of a legendary pitcher, who embodies the spirit of determination and grace under pressure.

Their ultimate aim? To conquer Koshien, Japan’s hallowed ground where only the nation’s top teams are granted the honor to compete. This cinematic journey is not just about baseball; it’s a testament to the power of perseverance, unity, and the indomitable spirit of girls striving for equality in a male-dominated world.

11. The Prince of Tennis

Original Run: October 10, 2001 – March 30, 2005
Number of Episodes: 178

The protagonist of our tale goes by the name Ryōma Echizen, a Japanese individual who spent numerous years residing in America. His father, famously known as the “Samurai,” was Nanjirō Echizen – an exceptional tennis player who garnered international acclaim. Our narrative unfolds when Ryoma returns to Japan and chooses to attend Seishun Gakuen College, a prestigious institution often referred to as Seigaku, boasting a formidable tennis team.

10. BAMBOO BLADE

Original Release: October 2, 2007 – April 2, 2008
Number of Episodes: 26

At the high school where he teaches kendo, Kojirō is both an instructor and the club leader. Struggling financially, he strikes a wager with a former mentor who owns a dojo. If Kojirō’s female team triumphs over his own, he will be treated to all-you-can-eat sushi for a full year.

As a movie buff, I’d put it like this: Initially, my kendo club was struggling with just two ladies, one of whom had been absent for quite some time. It seemed like a losing bet until I crossed paths with Tamaki Kawazoe. This petite girl, though seemingly delicate, possessed an incredible skill in kendo that left me astounded. At first, she declined my invitation to join the club, but an incident later prompted her to step up as a ‘crusader of justice’. With Tamaki joining our team, the possibility of winning the match became more than just a dream for Kojirō and the rest of us at the dojo.

9. Big Windup!

Original Release: April 12, 2007 – June 24, 2010
Number of Episodes: 38 + 2 OVAs

The story unfolds in Saitama, focusing on Ren Mihashi, who once held the top pitcher spot on his college baseball team. However, it appears this position was more of a family legacy, given his grandfather’s ownership of the school. His fellow players, particularly the catcher, found him unbearable, and they consistently lost their matches as a result. Mihashi harbors a deep-seated belief in his own inadequacy as a baseball player, which significantly impacts his self-worth.

Afterward, he enrolls at Nishiura High School with an intention to leave baseball due to self-doubt about his abilities. However, surprisingly, the school’s coach drafts him onto their baseball team. With the support of his fellow players, particularly the receiver, Takaya Abe, he grows more confident and proficient, ultimately propelling his team to greater achievements.

8. Free!

Original Release: July 4, 2013 – September 26, 2018
Number of Episodes: 37 + OVA

Haruka Nanase is an enthusiastic young swimmer, who along with his elementary school companions – Nagisa Hazuki, Makoto Tachibana, and Rin Matsuoka – compete in a swimming competition. They emerge victorious. However, as the academic year concludes, these four friends go their separate ways.

A few years down the line, Haruka, Nagisa, and Makoto find themselves back at Iwatobi High School. However, Rin, who had moved to Australia for living and studies, makes a return and issues a challenge to swim race against Haruka. His friends, including a new member named Rei Ryugazaki, suggest to Haruka that they establish the Iwatobi swimming club in order to meet Rin again, as he joined the Samezuka swimming school with the intention of facing Haruka.

7. Haikyu!!

Original Release: April 6, 2014 – December 19, 2020
Number of Episodes: 85 + 5 OVAs

Hinata Shouyou, a small middle school student, unexpectedly found a deep interest in volleyball after watching a national championship game on TV. Known as “the little giant,” Shouyou decided to follow in the footsteps of the tournament’s star player and joined his school’s volleyball team. However, he was the only member, and the club didn’t have a place for practice.

Despite facing discouragement, he didn’t back down. In fact, by adding five additional players during his final year, he managed to compete in a genuine tournament. Unfortunately, fate had him matched against the title favorite and Kageyama Tobio, known as “the king of the court,” in the very first round.

6. SLAM DUNK

Original Release: October 16, 1993 – March 23, 1996
Number of Episodes: 101

The anime “Slam Dunk” narrates the journey of Hanamichi Sakuragi, a 15-year-old gang member with a history of unrequited love and a bit of trouble. Initially, he is clueless about sports, particularly basketball. However, his character development as both a player and an individual forms the heart of the story.

5. Hajime no Ippo

Original Run: October 4, 2000 – March 29, 2014
Number of Episodes: 127 (+ 1 film + 1 OVA)

Ippo Makunouchi, a timid student, struggles with social interactions due to his responsibilities at his mother’s fishing business. As a result, he often finds himself isolated and tormented by a gang headed by Umezawa. One fateful day, Ippo is brutally attacked, but luckily, a professional middleweight boxer named Mamoru Takamura intervenes and escorts the wounded Ippo to Kamogawa Gym, owned by former boxer Genji Kamogawa. Here, he receives treatment for his injuries.

As the morning sounds of boxing practice fill my ears and rouse me from sleep, Takamura attempts to boost my spirits by encouraging me to vent my feelings on a sandbag. It’s during this moment that the spectators witness a hint of my innate boxing prowess. This encounter prompts me to ponder deeply about my future, and I come to a resolution: I yearn to embark on a professional boxing career. Upon sharing my aspirations with Mamoru Takamura, he expresses concerns that I may be underestimating the gravity of pursuing professional boxing. Despite his reservations, he can’t dismiss me outright, mainly due to the impressive force with which I struck the sandbag – a power only surpassed by him in our gym.

4. Kuroko’s Basketball

Original Release: April 7, 2012 – June 30, 2015
Number of Episodes: 75 + 3 OVA

The narrative unfolds in modern-day Japan. The stellar Teikō Junior High School basketball team gained recognition by outplaying Japanese basketball teams and clinching three straight junior nationals titles. Notably, the last basketball squad from Teikō was an exceptional group, standing head and shoulders above their peers, earning them the nickname “The Miracle Generation.

These are Ryota Kise, Shintaro Midorima, Daiki Aomine, Atsushi Murasakibara, and Seijuro Akashi – each excelling in unique ways on their respective high school basketball teams. Ryota Kise has an uncanny ability to mimic moves instantly, while Shintaro Midorima is a 3-point prodigy with an astonishing range across the entire court. Daiki Aomine showcases exceptional technical skills combined with remarkable agility, and Atsushi Murasakibara stands out as a colossal center with superb defensive skills and lightning-fast reflexes. Lastly, Seijuro Akashi serves as captain, demonstrating an almost psychic understanding of the game that often leaves opponents bewildered.

3. Yuri!!! on ICE

Original Release: October 6, 2016 – December 21, 2016
Number of Episodes: 12 + OVA

Following a disappointing last-place finish at his debut Grand Prix event, the young Japanese figure skater Yuri Katsuki has since struggled and finds himself questioning his future in skating. Several months on, Yuri returns to his childhood home of Hasetsu in Kyūshū, a place he left five years prior, and manages to skillfully replicate a routine by renowned Russian skater Victor Nikiforov.

If an unaware-of-recording video of his performance spreads rapidly online and captures Victor’s interest, he then elects to serve as Yuri’s mentor, guiding him using one of his gifted pupils, also named Yuri Plisetsky.

2. Speed Racer

Original Release: April 2, 1967 – March 31, 1968
Number of Episodes: 52

With assistance from his reliable automotive buddy Kei, our protagonist sets out to enhance his racing vehicle ahead of the upcoming competition, installing a replacement windshield in the process. But as fate would have it, he uncovers a web of corruption within the racing community, with an ambitious tycoon aiming to seize control. In a twisted turn of events, he is offered a substantial bribe to intentionally forfeit the next race; refusal could lead to dire consequences.

However, our protagonist refuses to back down, as he’s determined to uphold justice with his comrades by his side; he’ll employ his sports car in the battle against unjust competition and wrongdoers. This ruthless organization will later try to eliminate them using whatever methods they have available. Consequently, they’ll become entangled in the secretive schemes of a thriving corporation, where clandestine business deals and sabotaged races intertwine, often placing Go in perilous situations that jeopardize his own life.

1. Captain Tsubasa

Original Release: October 13, 1983 – April 1, 2019
Number of Episodes: 279

Tsubasa Ozora is a young Japanese lad, burning with fervor and skill for soccer, nurturing the ambition to clinch the world title. Alongside his family, he relocates to the urban hub of Nankatsu, where he begins his final year at a public elementary school.

Following an encounter with Ryo Ishizaki, our school’s football team captain, he resolves to face off against Genzo Wakabayashi, the seemingly invincible goalkeeper of their rivals, Shutetsu. This undefeated status is destined to change, and it will be due to Tsubasa taking on the challenge.

On the day of the big match, Tsubasa encounters Roberto Hongo – a talented Brazilian soccer player with Japanese ancestry, who was rescued by Tsubasa’s father earlier, following an attempt to take his own life due to vision issues that caused him to retire early from the game. Deeply grateful for this second chance at life, he agrees to coach Tsubasa personally and help improve his playing skills.

Upon signing up for Nankatsu Football Club, Tsubasa kicks off his initial game as a defender during the derby against Shutetsu. In the first half, he successfully thwarts goals from Izawa, Taki, and Kisugi. As the game progresses into the second half, he switches to an attacking position, which ultimately results in Nankatsu ending their long-standing losing streak against Shutetsu for the very first time.

In the end, a united team comprising the top talents from each city school competes in the national championship. Tsubasa leads this team to the grand victory over Kojiro Hyuga’s Meiwa, culminating in triumph for Nankatsu.

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2025-05-27 16:18