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.

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.