Big surprise at the Zhejiang Tangqi Goalball Training Base in the 2023 IBSA Goalball Asia/Pacific Championships! In the men’s tournament, Korea got its ticket to the final, defeating the host national team of China in the first semi-final.

The Chinese squad, already qualified for Paris 2024 thanks to the silver medal in the last 2022 IBSA Goalball World Championships that took place in Portugal, used some young players in this semi-final, and Korea took the chance with both hands.

In the other men’s semi-final, Iran defeated Thailand, which means that Korea and Iran will play this Saturday not only for the only slot to Paris 2024 available in the competition but also for the title of Asian champion.

China and Thailand will play for the bronze.

In the women’s tournament, China and Japan will play for the title and also for the slot in Paris 2024. Both teams are already qualified, even if they don’t win the continental. This is due to the gold medal that the Chinese squad won at the 2023 IBSA World Games in Birmingham last August.

Korea and Australia will play for the bronze medal.

Check out the results of the matches this Friday and the finals for tomorrow:

Friday, 17th
Semi-finals
(m) China vs Korea: 10-12  (#29)
(m) Iran vs Thailand: 8-3 (#30)

Saturday, 18th
FINALS
Bronze medals
(w) 4 am – Korea vs Australia
(m) 5.15 am – China vs Thailand
GOLD medals
(w) 8 am – China vs Japan
(m) 9.15 am – Korea vs Iran