APG2022: Japanese Athletes Shine as Dominators in Swimming and Table Tennis
On the third day of the Asian Para Games, Hangzhou witnessed the smashing of three more records alongside the coronation of Table Tennis Champions for APG 2022.
Swimming
Mikika Serizawa made history today, notching not one but two record-breaking achievements in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke. The Japanese swimmer showcased her brilliance with a remarkable time of 1:16.85 seconds, securing the championship title.
“At first, I was nervous and afraid. But since I got here and start practicing, I think my swimming skill is improving. It’s a great pleasure to win a gold medal in such an international event”, Mikika told APG after the race.
Yui Lam Chan (HKG) swiftly followed with an impressive time of 1:20.69 seconds to claim the second position. Adding to the glory, Indonesia’s Indriani Syuchi achieved a historic moment by winning Indonesia’s first medal in the S14 swimming event, securing the bronze with a time of 1:24.14 seconds.
The celebration continued as Noahide Yamaguchi extended his medal streak on the third day of events. He clinched a second Gold for Japan in the S14 100m Breaststroke, setting a new APG record with an astonishing time of 1:03.82 seconds, dominating the competition.
“Even though I was affected by the relay, but I am still satisfied with my performance. If I can pay more attention to the weight distribution and the movement of my arm, I think I will be faster”, Yamaguchi told APG.
Talking about his training schedule, Yamaguchi said,
“recently, I often compare my usual stroke with the stroke I used when I set the world record. I really want to win the gold medal in the breaststroke event at the Paralympics ”
The race for the second place was a nail-biting battle between Kim Kyeongbin (KOR) and Japan’s Sato Yuto, with Kim claiming the spot by a mere 0.11 seconds.
Athletics
Twenty one year old BIN Nor Azmi Muhammad Ammar Aiman (MAS) emerged as the shining star in the Men’s 400m, achieving a remarkable feat by shattering both the Asian and APG records with an astonishing time of 47.60 seconds.
Bin Nor Azmi Muhammad Ammar Aiman celebrating his win. Photo Credit: Bernama
“Delighted with the gold medal. Faced many challenges… I am satisfied that all the hard work I put in, including not going back to Pontian, paid off. Can’t wait to go back to meet them all“, Bin told Bernama.
Indonesia’s Nomleni Alfin secured the silver medal with a time of 49.07 seconds, while RAMAZANI Torkamani Milad, representing the Islamic Republic of Iran, claimed the bronze to the delight of his nation
Table Tennis
Natsuki Wada (L) and Chen Po Yen (R) in action. Photo Credit: Sport Inclusion Australia and FFSA
In Women’s category, Natsuki Wada (JPN) and Wong Ting Ting (HKG) battled their way to the Women’s Singles Finals, each emerging victorious against formidable opponents with scores of 3-1.
On the Men’s side, Chen Po Yen (TPE) showcased his unmatched dominance by securing his place in the Finals after overpowering Kim Chang Gi (KOR), while Takeshi Takemori (JPN) triumphed over Kim Gi Tae (KOR).
The stage was set for a thrilling final showdown as Natsuki Wada and Wong Ting Ting faced off. Wong took the initial lead, but Natsuki mounted a remarkable comeback, clinching three consecutive matches and seizing the title with a resounding 1-3 victory.
In an awe-inspiring performance, Chen Po Yen once again asserted his mastery, claiming the Asian Para Games title with a flawless 3-0 win over Takeshi Takemori (JPN)
