Olympic hammer throw gold medallist Koji Murofushi is leaving his position as Tokyo 2020 sport director ©Getty Images

Olympic hammer throw gold medallist Koji Murofushi is leaving his position as Tokyo 2020 sport director after being appointed commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency (JSA).

Murofushi is set to take over as commissioner of the Government department from former swimmer Daichi Suzuki when he steps down at the completion of his contract at the end of the month.

The 45-year-old's departure from the key role at the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee comes with less than a year to go until the postponed Olympic Games are due to open.

He is still expected to be involved in the preparations for the rearranged Olympics and Paralympics in his new position with the JSA, created by the Japanese Government in October 2015.

Murofushi, who won the gold medal in the hammer event at Athens 2004 and the 2011 World Athletics Championships in Daegu, has been Tokyo 2020's sport director since June 2014.

He has been an important figure for Tokyo 2020, helping to finalise Tokyo’s venue plan and liaising with International Federations.

Koji Murofushi, right, has been Tokyo 2020 sports director since June 2014 ©Getty Images
Koji Murofushi, right, has been Tokyo 2020 sports director since June 2014 ©Getty Images

Murofushi also played a role in creating event schedules for the Olympic and Paralympics, pushed back to 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Tokyo 2020 President Yoshirō Mori said he was "delighted" for Murofushi, but said he would be missed by the Organising Committee.

"Mr. Murofushi assumed the role of Tokyo 2020 Sports Director soon after the Organising Committee and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced an overhaul of the initial venue plan from the bid phase," Mori said in a statement. 

"Mr. Murofushi proceeded to put in countless miles meeting with international sports federations throughout the world for a variety of discussions. 

"It is thanks to his tireless work that we were able to finalise a plan that optimises existing venues and befits our current age. 

"Although of course he will be missed with next year's Games just around the corner, everyone at Tokyo 2020 offers our most heartfelt good wishes to Mr. Murofushi as he launches on an exciting new challenge. 

"I know that Mr. Murofushi will prove a dependable partner at the helm of Japanese sports administration as we work together toward the success of the Tokyo 2020 Games. 

"We will continue to make every effort in the delivery of a safe and secure Games."