In a thrilling and hard-fought wheelchair rugby final, Japan claimed a historic gold medal by overpowering the United States in a match filled with intense physicality and relentless action at the Paris Paralympics.
Wheelchair rugby, often referred to as “murderball” due to its high-contact nature, kept the packed stadium on the edge of their seats as players battled fiercely on the court. The game demands players to maneuver quickly and strategically, with just 40 seconds to score once they gain possession of the ball.
The final saw the United States, a dominant force in wheelchair rugby since its inception in the 1970s, facing off against Japan, a team that has been steadily rising in the sport. The US team, which had not won gold since 2008, was eager to reclaim the top spot, while Japan was determined to make history with their first appearance in the finals.
Despite taking an early lead, the US team struggled to maintain their momentum as the game grew more aggressive. The Japanese side, refusing to back down, pulled ahead by half-time and held onto their lead with a relentless drive. The match ended with Japan up by seven points, securing a momentous victory and their first-ever gold medal in wheelchair rugby.
The Japanese players celebrated their win, embracing each other as their supporters erupted in joy from the stands. The US team, led by co-captain Chuck Aoki, was visibly disappointed but already looking ahead to the next Paralympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
Aoki, who has now earned his third silver medal, expressed his determination to continue striving for gold. “It gives me chills just thinking about it,” he said, reflecting on the prospect of competing on home soil. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, but I’m excited about the possibility.”
The final also marked a significant moment for gender representation in the sport, with Sarah Adam becoming the first woman to play for the US team in the Paralympics. Adam’s performance was outstanding, scoring half of the US team’s tries and earning admiration from the crowd.
“It’s been an electric atmosphere and a lot of fun to play in front of a crowd like this,” Adam said. She hopes her participation will inspire more women to join adaptive sports, though she emphasized that her focus remains on being a dedicated athlete and teammate.
While wheelchair rugby continues to be male-dominated, progress is being made. Japan’s team included one female player, Kae Kurahashi, and Australia, which secured the bronze medal, had a record-breaking three women on their roster. As the sport grows, the hope is that more women will take to the court in future competitions.
Japan’s victory in Paris will be remembered as a landmark achievement in wheelchair rugby, setting the stage for even more competitive and inclusive games in the future.
