Korean women's goal ball returned to the Paralympic stage for the first time in 28 years and lost to Japan in the first round of the preliminary round

Aug 30, 2024

Kim Hee-jin and Shim Sun-hwa (from left) of the Korean women's goalball team throw themselves in the match against Japan in the group qualifying round for the 2024 Paris Paralympics at Sudpari Arena 6 in Paris, France, early on the 30th (Korea time). Presented by the Korea Sports Council for the Disabled

The Korean women's goalball team, which participated in the Paralympics for the first time in 28 years, was unfortunately defeated by Japan in the group qualifying round for the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

South Korea's national goalball team, led by head coach Jung Eun-sun, lost to Japan 1-3 in the first group qualifying match of the tournament at Sud Paris Arena 6 in Paris, France, early on the 30th (Korea time).

In goalball, an event that only the blind can play, the team that puts more sounding balls into the opponent's net wins in each of the first 12 minutes of the second half. The South Korean goalball team finished second at the IBSA World Championships in Portugal in December 2022, qualifying for the Paralympics for the first time in 28 years since the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Starting with captain Kim Hee-jin (Seoul City Hall), Seo Min-ji (Seoul City Hall) and Shim Sun-hwa (Seoul City Hall), the Korean national team strongly pushed Japan with Shim Sun-hwa's first goal at 3:08 of the first half. However, he allowed an equalizer at 7:06 of the first half to end the first half 1-1.

Shim Seon-hwa of the Korean women's national team throws the ball toward the opponent's goal in the group qualifying match against Japan for the 2024 Paris Paralympics at Sudpari Arena6 in Paris, France, early on the 30th (Korea time). Presented by the Korea Sports Council for the Disabled

In the second half, which began with South Korea's attack, the national team continued to play calmly against Japan, the world's No. 2 player in this event. However, he was penalized at 17 minutes and 46 seconds in the second half and conceded a come-from-behind goal. In goalball, the ball must be in contact with the floor (team area, neutral area) at least twice before it reaches the opponent's court, and if it violates it, it will be penalized. In this case, one player defending the goalpost and one player throwing the ball will compete one-on-one. The South Korean national team also got a chance in the first half due to Japan's penalty, but it did not lead to a goal.

After the match, Kim Hee-jin said, "(It's a shame) that we shouldn't lose even rock-paper-scissors against Korea. "I think there was a difference in experience because Japan is ranked high in the world." "We've never played in front of such a large crowd before, and it's the first time we've had a big stage like the Paralympics, so I don't think we've been able to overcome the pressure."We still have a lot of games left, so we'll do our best to pour everything we've prepared so far from the next game." is determined.

Director Jung also said, "It's not over yet"Since this is the beginning, I will ask the players to rest well today and prepare for the next game." Korea's next opponent is France, which has a great home advantage. Director Chung said, `I already expected that there would be some home advantage`````````````````.

wman@sportschosun.com