Ahmedabad, 10 October – The 11th Asian Aquatics Championships drew a crowd of fans and television viewers to the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex for a day of high‑scoring water polo. In the Friday matches, Japan and China claimed spots in the women’s final, while Iran moved into the men’s final. Singapore dominated India 27‑7 in the women’s 5‑8 classification, setting the tone for a competitive day.
Singapore crushes India, 27‑7
Singapore’s women’s squad turned the match into a showcase of sharpshooting. Tio Ji Suan, Lim Wan Jun Nicole, and Koh Xiao Li each scored four goals, while Lee Xuan Hui and Wan Celeste Ferraao added three apiece. The supporting cast—Yap Jingxuan Ranice, Gan Huimin, Yeo Ying Xuan Kayla, and the trio of Ong Shu En, Ong Jia Hui and Loo Tee Inna—delivered a balanced attack.
India’s captain Varsha Suresh and Kripa Ranichithra managed two goals each, with Safwa Sakeer, Dhruthi Karthikeya and Madhurima Shanti each contributing one. Despite the loss, the Indian team showed resilience and will look to regroup for future tournaments.
Women’s semi‑finals
Japan vs. Thailand
Japan emerged victorious 25‑21. Lowrey Nina exploded for nine goals; Sanda Yumeka added four, while Kobayashi Maho and Shironoshita Kaho each put in three. Japan’s captain, Fukuda Shoka, along with Shibata Kanade and Eguchi Seira, also notched two goals apiece.
Thailand was led by Rueangsappaisan Raksina with seven goals, followed by Puangtong Kritsana’s four. The Thai squad also saw contributions from Chotrotchanaanan Paranee, Kongchouy Thanita, Kwantongtanaree Pittayaporn and others, but the scoreline reflected a struggle against Japan’s relentless offense.
China vs. Kazakhstan
China secured a convincing 14‑4 win. Zhang Qishuo led the attack with five goals, while captain Sun Yating netted three. Li Peiyang and Wang Xuan contributed two goals each, and the team also had a couple of single‑goal performances from Guo Chenghong and Li Jianyu. Kazakhstan’s offense, led by Kaplun Viktoriya, Anossova Valeriya, Nabiyeva Milena and Ozkaya Alina, could gather only a single goal each.
Men’s semi‑final
Iran edged Japan 19‑18 in a nail‑biter that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Iran’s captain, Yazdankhab Mehdi, led the scoring with an impressive seven goals, with Ghavidelhajiagha Amin adding three. Mehrikohneshahri Alireza, Iranpourtari Ashkan and Adham Mersad each added two goals.
Japan’s response was strong: Captain Ura Enishi hit four goals, while Lowrey Jun, Maeda Toshiyuki, Moroiya Yuki and Maeda Atsuya each scored three. Matsuno Ryosuke added a couple more. The game was a testament to both teams’ skill and determination, leaving the rest of the tournament a thrilling watch.
Women’s 5‑8 classification
Uzbekistan edged Hong Kong 14‑7, with Gavashelashvili Elena and Andriyakhina Sofiya each topping the scoreboard with four goals. Ho Cheuk Kiu led Hong Kong’s offense, scoring four, while the rest of her squad added several smaller contributions.
In the men’s 5‑8 classification, Thailand edged Hong Kong 15‑14. Kaewmanee Suteenan led the Thai effort with five goals, while Ekchaona Watcharawarong supplied three. Hong Kong’s Choi Hin Kit Gilman contributed four goals, and the team was supported by several defensive players.
In a separate 5‑8 match, Singapore defeated Uzbekistan 24‑11. Ong Ee Ki Joshua, Lee Jia Jun Isaac and Chow Yong Jun each scored four goals, leading a powerful offensive display. Uzbekistan’s engine was Vishnyakov Artur with four goals, but he couldn’t hold off the Singapore attack.
What’s next?
The men’s final is set to be a showdown between Iran and the winner of the China vs. Kazakhstan semi‑finals, which China is looking to win to face Iran.
With three champions taking the Olympic qualifiers further, the next stages of the Asian Aquatics Championships promise more thrilling water polo moments. Fans and fans watching online can expect a blend of tactical play and high‑energy action as countries vie for continental glory.
Source: ianslive
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