Japan won its first gold medal in the men’s goalball via golden goal at the Paralympics on Thursday, while Turkey claimed its third consecutive title in the women’s event.
Yuto Sano scored the golden goal to give Japan victory against Ukraine by a 4-3 scoreline after extra time in the South Paris Arena, marking a strong improvement on its fifth-placed finish at its home Games three years ago.
In front of a capacity crowd, Japan broke the deadlock through Kazuya Kaneko and Koji Miyajiki to take a 2-0 lead inside the opening three minutes.
But Ukraine struck back, first via Anton Strelchyk and then through a Vasyl Oliinyk penalty, to level the score going into the break.
Japan came within inches of retaking the lead two minutes into the second period, only for Ukraine’s Oleksandr Toporkov to charge back and grab the ball right on the line.
Japan soon restored its lead in a tense second half, however, when Sano powered a throw through the Ukrainian defense to make it 3-2 to the Japanese.
Ukraine tried to force the issue but the solid black-and-red wall Japan’s trio had constructed in front of its goal held fast until two minutes from time.
Strelchyk’s throw was only half-parried away and the ball squirmed into the goal to make it 3-3, forcing extra time.
Recognizing Ukraine’s strength against fast balls, Japan sent in the more tactical Yuto Sano, who delivered the decisive goal as Japan became Paralympic champion for the first time.
“I just threw the ball I had the most confidence in,” Sano said with excitement. “I’m thrilled to bring this win to Japan.”
The victory was a result of the men’s desire to match the achievements of the women’s team. Japan’s women have historically garnered more attention, having won the gold at the 2012 London Paralympics and reaching the podium three times.
“At the Tokyo Games, the women’s team took third place, and all we could do was watch. It was frustrating,” Sano admitted.
Head coach Rikiya Kudo, who once represented Japan as a player, was visibly emotional.
“The younger players have carried forward our hopes and have become the best in the world,” he beamed, his proud smile stretched across his face.
After tasting gold in Rio and Tokyo, the Turkish women’s team has now won gold in all three of its appearances at the Paralympics following an 8-3 victory over Israel.
“Three finals, three championships, three gold medals,” said Turkey’s triple Paralympic champion Sevda Altunoluk.
“I can’t explain my feelings because I am so happy and the feeling is so deep.”
The reigning world champions made a fast start against Israel in the final, scoring two goals inside the first two minutes, courtesy of Altunoluk and Fatma Gul Guler.
Israel called for a timeout just after Turkey’s third and then immediately struck back through Lihi Ben David to make it 3-1.
Gold medalists Haruki Torii (left) and Yuto Sano on the podium.
| Reuters
However, a team penalty against Israel, which was duly converted by Guler, and another goal seconds later from Altunoluk, pushed Turkey further ahead.
The Turks added two more goals before Ben David doubled up to take the sides into halftime with the score at 7-2.
The second period started cagily until Altunoluk scored with a fine crosscourt effort that flew into the bottom corner.
Israel’s Ben David got her third with just under five minutes to go but Turkey was not to be challenged.
Turkey’s Altunoluk finished as the top scorer of the gold-medal match with four goals and 21 for the whole tournament.
In the bronze-medal matches, China’s women eased past Brazil 6-0 to claim bronze, while in the same fixture on the men’s side of the draw Brazil beat the Chinese 5-3.
