Japan Para Wheelchair Rugby Four powerhouse nations clash in heated Rio qualifier
The Japan Disabled Sports Association held the "2016 Japan Para Wheelchair Rugby Tournament: Supporting the Recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake" at Chiba Port Arena in Chiba City from May 19 to 22. Sponsors included Japan Airlines, National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, TANAKA Holdings, Tokyo Gas, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Mitsubishi Corporation, Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance, Mitsubishi Electric, Suntory Holdings, Daido Life Insurance, Toppan Printing, Morisawa, Toyota Motor Corporation, Goldwin, East Japan Railway Company, Tokyo Tatemono, Daikyo, Avex Group Holdings, Shimizu Corporation, Ajinomoto, Nomura Holdings, Daiwa Securities Group Inc., Tokyo Gas Cooperative Companies, All Nippon Airways, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, Nippon Yusen Kaisha). The tournament featured four powerhouse nations: the world's No. 2 ranked USA, No. 4 Australia, No. 5 Great Britain, and Japan (ranked No. 3), making it a key prelude to the Rio Paralympics.
(Related article: Wheelchair Rugby Japan Wins First Title! Secures Rio Spot![2015.11.04] )
After finishing the preliminary round with three wins and three losses, the Japanese team faced the United States in the third-place playoff on the final day. Riding high after two wins the previous day, Japan engaged in a back-and-forth battle. However, errors in passing and other mistakes proved costly, resulting in a 51-56 loss and a fourth-place finish.
After the match, captain Toru Ike stated, "We will review our training leading up to the Rio Games, aiming to further enhance individual skills and communication among players." Daisuke Ikesaki, a key offensive player, commented, "We couldn't play our game. Since it's a physical contest, we need to build up our strength more." The final match was between Australia and Great Britain. The first half featured a closely contested game, but Australia, utilizing many long passes, gradually extended their lead and won the championship 57-49.
Live commentary and analysis were broadcast during the matches, making the games accessible and enjoyable even for newcomers. Additionally, wheelchair experience sessions were held during the three days of the preliminary league. On the first day, elementary school children from the city visited the venue and cheered energetically.
(Related article: A Fun Learning Day with Top Wheelchair Rugby Athletes[2016.04.07] )
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