China beats host Japan 1-0 in the blind football final at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, on Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
China beat host Japan 1-0 in the men's blind football final at the Asian Para Games on Friday, with Tang Zhihua scoring the decisive second-half goal to secure the title.
China had advanced to the final with a 4-1 record, finishing top of the group.
Tang said he initially did not realize he had scored. Before shooting, he heard the voice of China's guide, who provides players with audible cues to help them locate the goal, and estimated the distance at about six to eight meters.
"I shot toward his voice from roughly that distance. At first, I heard the opponent block the ball, so I thought it had gone out," Tang said.
But as he walked back, assuming Japan would take a goal kick, the guide came over and embraced him to tell him the ball had gone in. "That's when I found out I'd scored," Tang said.
Chinese players celebrate after defeating Japan to win the blind football gold medal. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Tang said the team's preparation and training had helped them maintain their composure against different opponents, "but the most fundamental thing is to maintain our own rhythm and control of the ball."
The victory marked China's third blind football gold at the Asian Para Games, following their triumphs in Guangzhou in 2010 and Hangzhou in 2023.
China coach Wang Guishun said his team had anticipated Japan's approach, as the sides were meeting for the third time in competition this year.
"The two teams are quite familiar with each other, and we expected them to press forward," Wang said.
Members of China's blind football team take part in the victory ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The first half ended scoreless despite China creating several chances. At halftime, Wang reminded his players to remain patient and trust their attacking play.
"I reminded the players that since we had already created so many chances in the first half, there would be more opportunities in the second," he said.
Yuan Ziqi said the team had expected a difficult match and prepared accordingly. "When we couldn't break the deadlock, we stuck to what we had prepared and played our own game. Winning in the end felt like a natural outcome of that preparation," he said.
Beyond retaining the title, Wang said the tournament was an important opportunity to develop younger players. "I hope that through this event, under the leadership of these 'big brothers', these new team members can be fully trained, and serve as a talent reserve for the Los Angeles Paralympic Games," he said.