Members of the Japanese women’s water polo team celebrate with their coach after beating Uzbekistan to claim the gold in women’s water polo in the 11th Asian Age Group Championships. AARON NOMO
CAPAS, TARLAC — Japan completed its mastery in the women’s water polo competition beating Uzbekistan’s side, 24-6, to keep its remarkable unbeaten slate en route to claiming the gold medal late Saturday night in the 11th Asian Age Group Championships at the New Clark City Aquatic Center here.
Skipper Shoka Fukuda delivered nine goals while Kaho Shironoshita added six as the Japanese invasion in this prestigious competition competed with a dominating effort over the hapless Uzbeks.
“I am very happy now. Thank you to all the teams that played against us,” said coach Tsubasa Mori, a member of the national team from 2012 to 2016. She competed at the 2015 World Aquatics Championships in Kazan, Russia.
Thailand settled for the silver medal, beating Kazakhstan, 15-11, for its fifth win against one loss, while China took the bronze medal with a 4-2 record after pulling off a 21-4 victory over Singapore.
Kazakhstan was fourth at 3-3 followed by Uzbekistan and Singapore with identical 1-4 slates, and Sri Lanka (0-6).
World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam of Kuwait, Asia Aquatics Vice President Daichi Suzuki of Japan, and Executive Director Seyed Faridedin Fatahian of Iran were awarded the medals.
Later, Al-Musallam congratulated the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) led by the Philippine Aquatics, Inc. for the job well done and proved that the country can host a Continental level meet.
“On behalf of the World Aquatics, I would like to thank and express appreciation to Philippine Aquatics for hosting the 11th Asian Age Group Championships. It was a successful hosting seeing more than 1,000 athletes from more than 30 countries,” said Al-Musallam during the media conference.
Average Rating