Japan claimed the gold medal in wheelchair rugby by defeating Team USA 48-41 in the final at the 2024 Paralympics on Monday, marking their first gold in this event. The match, held at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, saw Japan celebrating as the clock ran out.

Key Highlights:
– Japan led only by one point at halftime.
– Japan had just 2 turnovers, while the USA had 9 during the match.
– Katsuya Hashimoto was the standout performer for Japan, scoring 19 tries.
– Team USA, aiming for gold, settled for silver for the third consecutive Games, having medaled in all previous Paralympics since the event’s inclusion.
– Chuck Aoki expressed disappointment post-match, feeling he let the team down but hinted he might pursue gold again in Los Angeles 2028.
– Sarah Adam made history as the first woman to compete for Team USA in wheelchair rugby at the Paralympics, contributing 14 tries, tied with Aoki for the team lead.
– Australia won the bronze medal, narrowly beating Great Britain 50-48.

This victory not only adds to Japan’s achievements but also reshapes the competition landscape moving forward for Team USA.