Eight new member nations welcomed into Virtus Family

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Virtus Sport welcomed new members to its family this weekend as the 2023 General Assembly ratified the membership of National Member Organisations in from Fiji, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Solomon Islands, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Guinea, Gabon, and Jamaica. The World Dodgeball Federation was also welcomed into the International Federation category.

It brings Virtus’ total membership to 101 organisations – more than at any time in our history.

Dina Temirgaliyeva, President of Virtus Kazakhstan – Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities expressed her excitement about joining Virtus:

“We are delighted to join the Virtus family. Our team has put in tremendous effort over the past year, and we are deeply grateful for this opportunity and the trust from the Virtus membership.”

She emphasized the significance of this membership for Kazakhstan and the athletes with intellectual impairments, as it opens up new prospects for elite competition-

“This membership is very promising and will open up new possibilities for our athletes to participate in the Virtus Global Games, Asian Para Games, and Paralympic Games. We have a long journey ahead and have already developed a comprehensive plan for the development of sports for individuals with intellectual impairments in Kazakhstan for the period 2023-2030.”

Virtus President Marc Truffaut welcomed the new members and highlighted Virtus’ commitment to increasing its global reach:

“Virtus has been focused on increasing membership and this time we have welcomed eight new members from Oceania, Asia, and the African region. We are thrilled to work with these new members and, with their support, will be nurturing new talents into elite sports for athletes with an intellectual impairment. We hope to see more nations competing in our next Asia Oceania Games in 2026 and at the Virtus Global Games 2027.”

Meanwhile the Assembly also ratified the appointment of new Board members with Yossi Romano (ISR) and Aaron Benjamin (IND) elected as Members at Large.

Virtus Board Members received warm welcome from Japanese Paralympic Committee ahead of the Virtus General Assembly

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The Vice Chair of the Japanese Paralympic Committee, Mr. Masaki Fujiwara, welcomed Virtus Governing Board Members to Japan.

Mr. Fujiwara welcomed everyone acknowledging the Global Games 2019 and Virtus Oceania Asia Games 2022 in Brisbane, and this year’s Virtus Global Games 2023 in Vichy France, highlighting the opportunities for participation for Japanese athletes.

He went on to mention the success of a recent event in Kagoshima for Japanese athletes with a disability and the Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou. Mr. Fujiwara acknowledged the numbers of athletes with intellectual impairment participating in both events, particular the Kagoshima Games, and the importance of these events for the health and wellbeing of athletes.Mr. Fujiwara said it was an honour to have the Virtus Governing Board in Japan to conduct the General Assembly and hopes the leadership team will have good meetings and an opportunity to appreciate the sights of Japan.

Marc Truffaut, Virtus President thanked the Japan Paralympic Committee, Virtus Board Member in Japan Hiroaki Taniguchi, and Toshi Saito from All Nippon Intellectual Disability Sports Association (ANISA), for the welcome and hospitality. Mr. Truffaut also invited Japan to one day host a Virtus Regional or Global Games.

The Virtus Governing Board members are meeting to discuss strategic priorities for organisation, growing Virtus competitions and the Global Games. There is impetus to discuss pathways development in the decade ahead that aims to see elite athletes with an intellectual impairment have more access and opportunities at international competitions including Paris2024, LA2028 and towards Brisbane 2032.

Further information on the outcomes of the General Assembly will be shared in due course.

World Champions Hold Their Ground at Budapest 2023

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The 26th edition of the World Senior Karate Championship was held from October 24th to October 29th in Budapest, Hungary.

This championship marked the second time that athletes with intellectual impairments participated, following the event in Dubai in 2021.

K21 category

Olivia Kakosy, the current World and European champion of Intellectually Impaired Female K21, was poised to defend her title on home turf in Budapest. The local Para-Karate star earned her spot in the final after dominating the elimination pool with an impressive score of 39.9. Her opponent in the final was Lucia Sanchez of Spain, who holds the current 2023 Virtus Global Games title, World Championships bronze medal and Continental Championships runner-up titles. Sanchez secured her place in the final by topping her pool with a score of 40.4.

Olivia Kakosy at Budapest 2023. Photo Credit: World Karate Federation

The home crowd had the chance to celebrate Olivia Kakosy’s victory. The Hungarian karateka delivered an outstanding performance, outscoring Lucia Sanchez with a final score of 41.4 to 40.5.

The Male K21 category featured Albert Singer of Germany and Carlos Huertas Ruiz of Spain, GG2023 Champion in the final. Carlos Huertas of Spain emerged as one of the heroes of the day in Para-Karate, claiming his second consecutive World title in the Male K21 category.

As for the K21 bronze medals, they were awarded to Elise Reedjik of The Netherlands, Federica Yakymashko of Italy, Antonio Pereira of Portugal, and Moustafa Hassan of Egypt.

K22 category

Salma Alaaeldin Ebrahim at 2023 Virtus Global Games. Photo Credit: Luc-Percival. © Virtus Sport

The Female K22 category set the stage for an all-Egyptian duel between Nadin Youssef and Salma Alaaeldin Ebrahim, both in contention for the gold. Youssef, the current World Championships bronze medalist, led her pool with a score of 38.7, while Ebrahim, the defending titleholder, also earned a score of 38.7 in the elimination pool.

In an intense showdown in the finals, the defending champion Salma emerged victorious with a final score of 40.2 to 38.1, securing the gold and her second world title.

Budapest 2023 K22 Silver medalist, Mattia Allesina in action at GG2023. Photo Credit: Luc Percival. © Virtus Sport

The Male K22 final featured a battle between Italy’s Mattia Allesina and Egypt’s Ahmed Elbeltagy where Ahmed claimed the crown, defeating Italy’s Mattia Alessina in the final with scores of 38.8 to 36.7, retaining his World title.

The K22 bronze medals were awarded to Natalia Olson of Canada, Daniela Topic of Croatia, Hazem Elsabbagh of Egypt, and Joao Estrela Azevedo of Portugal.

 

Poland’s dominance continues at Ciechanów 2023

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The 2023 Virtus World and European Cross Country Championship concludes after two exciting days. On the second day of the event, familiar faces found success once more in both the men’s and women’s categories.

In the II1 women’s event, the host nation’s short course medalists switched positions in the challenging 6km long course. Barbara BIEGANOWSKA-ZAJĄC, fondly known as the “Golden Basia,” maintained her undefeated streak and secured the gold with a time of 23:52 seconds.

Monika WYROBEK sought vengeance from the previous day and outpaced Anna BODZIONY to claim the silver, finishing an incredibly close race with times of 24:04 seconds and 24:16 seconds, respectively.

(L-R). Monika WYROBEK, Barbara BIEGANOWSKA-ZAJĄC  and Anna BODZIONY. Photo Credit: ANDDI Portugal

As for the II1 Men’s 8km Long Course, the runners didn’t disappoint and delivered an exciting performance. Christiano Pereira from Portugal and Gaël Geffroy from France once again engaged in a fierce battle for the championship title, mirroring their rankings from the previous day.

Winners of II1 and II2 Men’s Long Course. Photo Credit: ANDDI Portugal

Christiano, with a time of 24:13 seconds, clinched his second gold medal of the tournament, while Gaël secured another silver with a time of 24:36 seconds. Meanwhile, Jose Martinez MOROTE from Spain faced stiff competition from Adrian Parras ALVAREZ but managed to secure the final spot on the podium.

“I am feeling very proud to win Gold in both long and short distance. I did some long distance specific trainings for this event and things turned out to be pretty great for me”, Christiano told Virtus.

In the II2 Men’s 4km race, Spanish runners continued their strong performance, but there was a shift in the winners’ positions. Mikel Garcia AGUIRREZABAL surrendered the championship title today to Jose Nicolas Castaño CASTRO by a mere 00:31 microseconds. Jason DAVID from France secured his second bronze medal.

Anna SZEWCZYK and Magdalena DĄBROWSKA on podium. Photo Credit: ANDDI Portugal

In II2 Women’s 4km, Polish runners Anna SZEWCZYK and Magdalena DĄBROWSKA won the gold and silver respectively.

In Team’s, Spain took the trophy while Portugal came second and Poland came third.

The host nation claimed the top spot in the medal tally with a total of 11 medals (4 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze). Spain followed with 5 medals (2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze), and Portugal secured 2 gold medals.

Full results can be accessed from here.

Short Course dominated by Polish women on Day 1 of Ciechanów 2023

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The 2023 Virtus World and European Championship officially opened today in Ciechanów, Poland. Athletes from all the participating teams took part in a march at the Family Park of Entertainment and Education in Gołotczyźna. The opening ceremony was graced by notable attendees, including Jan Andrzej Kaluszkiewicz, Starost of the Ciechanów County, and Dariusz Mosakowski, President of Sprawni-Razem.

Opening ceremony celebration at Ciechanów 2023. Photo Credit: ANDDI Portugal

While addressing the crowd, Dariusz Mosakowski’s emphasized the importance of overcoming personal challenges and limitations. After the opening ceremony, the competition kicked off with the short course races.

Polish women cleaned the podium in short course

Barbara BIEGANOWSKA-ZAJĄC. Photo Credit: OIS

In the Women’s 2Km Cross Country final, the host nation athletes showcased their remarkable prowess in front of the home crowd and secured an impressive clean sweep of the podium. Barbara BIEGANOWSKA-ZAJĄC, the four time Paralympic Champion and multiple time Virtus champion, once again stood out as the gold medalist (7:23sec), putting on a stellar performance that earned her the highest honor. Her fellow countrywomen, Anna BODZIONY (7:32sec)and Monika YROBEK (7:33sec), also delivered outstanding performances, claiming the silver and bronze medals, respectively. This display of Polish dominance underscored their strength and skill in cross country running, leaving a lasting impression on the competition.

Winners of 4km Cross Country. Photo Credit: ANDDI Portugal

In the 4km Cross Country event, the gold medal went to Cristiano Pereira, demonstrating his exceptional abilities on the challenging course. He outpaced his competitors, which included France’s Gaël Geffroy and Poland’s Daniel Pek, to claim the coveted top spot. Pereira’s impressive victory in this event highlighted his endurance and determination, earning him a well-deserved gold medal and recognition as a formidable cross country runner.

The II2 Mixed 2km race unfolded as a thrilling and closely contested battle between two Spanish runners, Mikel Garcia AGUIRREZABAL and Jose Nicolas Castaño CASTRO. Both athletes displayed remarkable speed and determination throughout the race, making it a captivating competition. In the end, Mikel Garcia AGUIRREZABAL emerged as the victor, securing the gold medal with an impressive performance. Jose Nicolas Castaño CASTRO’s remarkable efforts earned him the silver medal, a testament to his skill and competitive spirit. Jason David from France secured the bronze, adding to the intense competition and showcasing the diverse talent of athletes in the race. This exciting race displayed the true essence of sportsmanship and determination at the championship.

The long course races are scheduled for tomorrow, and live results can be accessed here.

Japanese Athletes Shine on Track, Hong Kong & Republic of Korea Dominate Table Tennis on Closing Day of APG2022

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On the closing day of the Asian Para Games, Japanese athletes excelled on the track, while Hong Kong and the Republic of Korea demonstrated their prowess in table tennis.

In an intense battle during the women’s doubles-Class WD22 table tennis event, Hong Kong’s Wong Ting-ting and Ng Mui-wui triumphed over the Japanese team with a 3-2 victory. Despite Hong Kong’s initial lead in the first match (11-5), the Japanese team mounted a comeback, winning the next two matches with scores of 12-10, 12-10. However, the resilience and strong strategy of Mui Wui and Ting Ting secured the final two matches with scores of 13-11 and 11-7. Chinese Taipei’s Li Jing-Shiuan and Li Lydia Yi-ya, along with Hong Kong’s Wong Ka Man and Wong Pui Kei, claimed the bronze medals.

Kim Chang Gi and Kim Gi Tae. Photo Credit: Luc Percival and ITTF

In the Men’s Doubles MD22, the Republic of Korea’s Kim Gi Tae and Kim Chang Gi demonstrated their strength by defeating their Japanese opponents, Takeshi Takemori and Kato Koya, with a decisive 3-0 win.

Kim Gi Tae expressed his satisfaction with the victory, stating,

“Because I put in a lot of effort in training before the match, I achieved great results today. I have no regrets about today’s game.”

Despite missing the gold in singles at APG, Kim Gi Tae is determined to replicate his performance at Andalusia 2022 during Paris 2024 and secure all three gold medals.

In the T20 1500m events, Japanese runners dominated both the men’s and women’s podiums. In the women’s category, Japan’s Yamamoto Moeko clinched the gold with a time of 4:56.60, followed by her compatriot, Ari Misaki (5:24.57).

India’s Pooja, making her debut at the para games, secured her first medal, a bronze (5:38.81), adding to the medal haul of India.

https://twitter.com/Media_SAI/status/1718110032661717155

In the men’s race, OKAWACHI Kenta and NAKAGAWA Daisuke, representing Japan, engaged in a fierce competition, with Okawachi narrowly claiming the title by a mere 0:01.23 seconds. Muhamad Nurdin BIN Ibrahim from Malaysia secured the third place.

The remarkable accomplishments of these Asian athletes serve as a testament to their unwavering dedication and relentless hard work. Virtus congratulates and extends heartfelt gratitude to these exceptional individuals for setting new standards and inspiring athletes worldwide.

Seo Yanghee and Kim Gi Tae clinch the Mixed Doubles gold at APG 2022

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The fifth day of the Asian Para Games witnessed the crowning of Mixed Doubles champions and the establishment of new Asia Para Games records.

Table Tennis

In the Mixed Doubles Semifinals, Chinese Taipei and Republic of Korea defeated Japan and Thailand by 3-2, 3-0 and secured their place in the finals.

“I think we did not prepare well for today’s game. As for our advantage, I think it is to seize the opportunity and ride on the momentum. We stick to this principle in the game,” Asano takashi (JPN) told APG after the semifinal match against TPE.

“At that time I thought that we could not lose the victory. On the second half we are kind of under stress, and we made some inappropriate decisions”, he added.

In the Mixed Double’s final showdown, an intense battle unfolded between Seo Yanghee and Kim Gi Tae (KOR) and Chen Po Yen and Li Jing-Shiuan (TPE). Although Chinese Taipei secured the first two matches with scores of 11-9 and 11-4, the Korean powerhouses unleashed their full potential, triumphing with a 3-2 victory.

Turning to the Women’s Doubles, Match 1 saw Hong Kong’s Wong Ka Man and Wong Pui Kei facing defeat against NG Mui Wui and Wong Ting Ting with a 0-3 score. In Match 2, Japan’s Furukawa Kanami and Ito Maki secured a 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei’s Li Jing Shiuan and Li Lydia Yi-Ya in the semifinals, securing their spot in the finals.

In the Men’s Doubles, both Hong Kong teams faced unfortunate outcomes. Fan Ka Ho and Wan Wai Lok fell to Kim Chang Gi and Kim Gi Tae (KOR) with a 3-0 result in Match 1, while Leung Chung Yan and Tsoi Ming Fai lost to Takeshi Takemori and Kato Koya (JPN).

Swimming

Aira Kinoshita (L) and Yui Lam Chan (R) flaunting their medal from 2022 Virtus OA GAmes. ©-Sport-Inclusion-Australia_Photo-Credit-Deion-Menzies

A thrilling and fiercely competitive race unfolded in the Women’s 200m Individual Medley, as Aira Kinoshita (JPN) and Yui-Lam Chan (HKG) engaged in an intense battle from the very first lap. These two exceptional swimmers relentlessly pursued each other until Aira pushed her limits, taking the lead from the third lap onward. Aira, the Japanese swimmer, maintained her momentum and secured the Gold, setting a new APG record with an impressive time of 2:26.14 seconds. Chueng Ho Ying (HKG) claimed the final spot on the podium, clocking in at 2:35.11.

Naohide Yamaguchi at 2022 Virtus OA Games. © Sport Inclusion Australia_Photo Credit Deion Menzies

In the Men’s category, Japanese swimmers continued their podium domination. Yamaguchi Naohide (JPN) secured his second Gold at APG 2022 by setting another record in the 200m Individual Medley. Naohide maintained his undefeated streak from the first lap, gradually widening the gap that his competitors couldn’t bridge. He emerged as the undisputed champion, clocking in at 2:09.91, setting a new APG record. A nail-biting swim-off unfolded between Wai Lok Tang (HKG) and Nakajima Keichi (JPN) for the second spot, with Wai Lok clinching it by a mere 0.23 seconds.

The finals of the T20 Men’s and Women’s 1500m events in Athletics, as well as the Men’s and Women’s Doubles matches, are all set to take place tomorrow, marking the last day of the Asian Para Games.

Detail results and information regarding closing ceremony is available at Hangzhou 2022 website.

APG2022: Shared Gold and APG record for Anku Matsuda and Lee Inkook

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On the fourth day of the Asian Para Games, in addition to the remarkable record-breaking performances, athletes also shared the Gold medals and All-Play Record (APR) recognition.

Swimming

Anku Matsuda (L) and Lee Inkook (R). Photo Credit: Sport Inclusion Australia and International Paralympic Committee

The Men’s 100m Butterfly delivered an electrifying showdown as Anku Matsuda (JPN), Lee Inkook (KOR), and Nakajima Keichi (JPN) engaged in an epic battle. Nakajima took an early lead, but Anku and Lee surged ahead shortly after. The two swimmers engaged in a thrilling neck-and-neck duel, racing to the finish line with the exact same time (57.86). Not only did they both earn a shared Gold medal, but they also shattered the APG records.

Matsuda, ecstatic about his unexpected victory in his APG debut, expressed,

“All I did was empty my mind and give everything I had. To be honest, I did not expect this, as it’s not my best event. It feels amazing to achieve such a great result.”

He also described the APG as ‘a festival for para athletes’ and shared his aspirations for the future:

“My future plan is to win another gold medal in the Paris Paralympics, which represents a higher stage and greater challenges. I will be prepared for that.”

In the Women’s 100m Butterfly, Yui Lam Chan added another gold medal to her collection, along with an APG record (1:04.71), outpacing Japan’s Aira Kinoshita (1:06.88) and Inoue Mami (1:09.60).

Athletics

The streak of record-breaking performances extended into Athletics as well. Japanese jumpers made a strong statement right from the first jump, with Kawaguchi Rio leaping 5.06m and Sakai Sonomi covering 5.04m. Both athletes continued to push their limits in an attempt to outdo their teammate. However, it was Sakai who surpassed Kawaguchi with an incredible leap of 5.37m in her fifth attempt, breaking the APG record in the process.

Table Tennis

The Round of 16 matches concluded today in both Women’s and Men’s doubles, paving the way for the top two teams from each group to advance to the semifinals.

In the Men’s Doubles, the first match will see Kim Chang Gi and Kim Gi Tae (KOR) competing against Fan Ka Ho and Wan Wai Lok (HKG) for a spot in the finals. In the second match, Hong Kong’s Leung Chung Yan and Tsoi Ming Fai will face Japan’s Takeshi Takemori and Kato Koya.

For the Women’s Doubles, one table will feature Chinese Taipei taking on Japan, while the other will showcase both teams from Hong Kong vying for a place in the finals.

In the Mixed Doubles category, the quarterfinal matches are set, with TPE vs. HKG, THA vs. JPN, JPN vs. THA, and HKG vs. KOR in the first half of the bracket.

Live results can be accessed from Hangzhou Asian Para Games website.

With only two days remaining until the conclusion of the APG, it promises to be an exciting finale as athletes give their all and test their limits in the remaining events.

APG2022: Japanese Athletes Shine as Dominators in Swimming and Table Tennis

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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)

Historic Medals and New Records Take Center Stage On Day Two of APG 2022

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The second day of the Asian Para Games 2022 witnessed a fascinating turn of events, marked by India and Saudi Arabia clinching their inaugural medals in events tailored for athletes with intellectual impairments. Additionally, the day was punctuated by the shattering of more records.

Swimming

Yui-Lam Chan at OA Games 2022. Photo Credit: HKSAPID

100m Backstroke was underway at the pool today for the S14 class at the HOC Aquatic Sports Arena.

In the thrilling Men’s showdown, Japanese sensation Naohide Yamaguchi, Lee Inkook from South Korea, and Bin Muhammad Redzuan representing Malaysia engaged in an exhilarating neck-and-neck battle. In the end, Naohide clinched the gold with a new APG record (1:00.61), leaving Lee Inkook with the silver (1:01.41) and Bin Muhammad Redzuan securing the bronze (1:02.98).

“I think it is a great pleasure to be a part of such a international event. With such event, people can use sports to break the walls between nations”, Naohide told APG on participating at APG2022.

The Women’s event witnessed a fierce rivalry between Yui Lam Chan (HKG) and Aira Kinoshita (JPN). Yui Lam surged ahead, snatching the gold by a mere 0.91 seconds, while Thailand’s Khajhonmatha Nattharinee (1:13.04) secured the last spot on the podium.

The day concluded with a spectacular display of team spirit in the mixed 4×100 Freestyle Relay. Team Japan, featuring Aira Kinoshita, Naohide Yamaguchi, Inoue Mami, and Keichi Nakajima, demonstrated flawless teamwork, emerging as champions by defeating strong competitors from Hong Kong and the Republic of Korea. Japan also set new records, smashing both Asian and APG records with an impressive 3:53.63 seconds

Athletics

Jeevanji Deepthi flaunting her Gold Medal. Photo Credit: Sivus INDIA

Team India celebrated a historic day on the track, with Jeevanji Deepthi securing the nation’s first APG medal in the T20 category. She stunned the crowd and her competitors by smashing both Asian and APG records with a remarkable time of 56.69 seconds in the T20 Women’s 400m. Kaising Orawan from Thailand gave a stellar performance, achieving her personal best time of 59.00 seconds and claiming the silver medal, while Kanno Niina from Japan settled for the bronze.

In the Men’s Long Jump event, Paralympic Champion Abdul Latif Romly from Malaysia dominated the scoreboard from his very first attempt. However, he solidified his lead in the fourth attempt, covering a remarkable distance of 7.18m and securing the gold. Saudi Arabia celebrated its first APG medal in the T20/F20 event as Dawshi Hassan Nasser clinched the silver with a jump of 6.80m. Bin Abdullah Zulkifly from Malaysia completed the podium by winning the bronze.

Malaysian throwers showcased their prowess in the F20 Men’s Shot-Put, with Bin Zolkefli Mihammad Ziyad emerging as the undisputed champion, recording a winning distance of 16.65m. Bin Mohamad Awi Mohamad Aliff, also from Malaysia, faced a tough challenge from Sanepoot Boonkong from Thailand in the battle for the silver medal. Mohamad Aliff displayed his strength and precision, defeating Sanepoot by a mere 0.08m to secure second place on the podium.

Table Tennis

NG Mui Wui at GG2023.Photo Credit: Luc Percival

The Class11 athletes battled fiercely in the Quarterfinal matches at the GSP Gymnasium.

Women’s Quarterfinals:

In Match 1, Wada Natsuki (JPN) triumphed over Seo YangHee (KOR) with a score of 3-0.

Match 2 witnessed ITO Maki (JPN) facing a formidable opponent in NG Mui Wui (HKG), who secured victory with a score of 3-0.

Furukawa Kanami (JPN) dominated Match 3, defeating Li Jing Shiuan (TPE) with a perfect score of 3-0.

In Match 4, Li Lydia Yi-Ya (TPE) encountered an impressive Wong Ting Ting (HKG), who secured a convincing 3-0 victory.

Men’s Quaterfinals:

Match 1 featured a remarkable performance by Chen Po Yen (TPE), who maintained an undefeated record by defeating Techo Master Narawit (THA) with a score of 3-0.

Match 2 witnessed Kato Koya (JPN) facing a tough challenge from Kim Chang Gi (KOR), who secured victory with a score of 3-0.

Match 3 delivered an intense battle between Japan’s Takeshi Takemori and Malaysia’s Ahmad Jennah Jennahtul Fahmi. Both athletes won two sets of games, leading to a deciding match. Takeshi emerged victorious with a score of 3-2.

Match 4 saw Asano Takashi competing against South Korea’s Kim Gi Tae, with Kim securing a 3-1 victory.

Schedule and live results can be accessed from Hangzhou 2022 website.