"Mitsubishi Electric WORLD CHALLENGE CUP 2018" Japan wins all matches to claim championship, building momentum for 2020!

 The final was a fast-paced, powerful battle with numerous players falling during the intense action. Australia took the lead just before halftime. The second half remained a back-and-forth contest, but Japan retook the lead in the third period thanks to the efforts of players like Reo Fujimoto, heading into the final period.
With the outcome still uncertain, Hiroaki Kozai and others stepped up, giving Japan the lead with 4 minutes remaining. Riding this momentum, Japan added more points. Backed by chants of "Nippon," they pulled away from Australia, winning 65-56. Canada took third place, and Germany finished fourth.

Head Coach Shinpei Oikawa stated in an interview, "I want to thank everyone involved and our sponsors for making it possible to play at the Paralympic venue. This championship is the result of every player giving their absolute all. It's a great start for the World Championships in August and for 2020." Players also commented, "The atmosphere was incredible thanks to everyone's cheers," "Next time, we want gold on home soil in Tokyo," and "Winning in such a big venue has given us confidence."
The Japanese team received the championship trophy and home appliances worth 300,000 yen from Mitsubishi Electric President Takeshi Sugiyama.

The games were enhanced with lively music and announcements, and before the start, a video was shown explaining the rules and characteristics of the competition. During halftime, the official cheerleaders of the professional basketball team "Nagoya Diamond Dolphins," "Diamond Rouge," performed dances to entertain the audience.
Around the court, there were commemorative photo corners, wheelchair basketball experiences, and shooting challenge corners, which were bustling with families and children.
Despite rainy weather on the final day, attendance reached approximately 5,200 people. Paid arena seats were nearly full , and the cheers of the spectators conveyed the excitement of para sports .Total attendance over the three daysreached approximately 13,000 people, surpassingthe 2017 tournamentby about 5,000 people.

 Concurrently, the women's training match "Nippon Life WOMEN'S CHALLENGE MATCH" was held, featuring Japan and Australia. Japan won both matches played during the event.
On the 10th, during the pre-match ceremony for the women's event, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike addressed the crowd as the governor of the host city for the 2020 Paralympics. Recalling watching the 2017 tournament with UK Prime Minister Theresa May, she stated, "This venue will actually be used for the 2020 Games, so I hope the athletes will become familiar with it. I hope today will see exciting matches unfold before the many spectators who have come to watch. And please come back here again in 2020."

Official Games Website:
https://wcc.jwbf.gr.jp/2018/