The 2023 IBSA Goalball AP Champs, which are taking place in the city of Hangzhou, show the favourite squads taking the lead.
Iran NPC, Tehran: According to the Website of IBSA, in the men’s division of Asia-Pacific Goalball Championships the host national team, China, which won a silver medal in the last world championships, and Iran are leading groups A and B, respectively, with two wins each by the maximum score possible in the sport.
Mr. Bahman Dousti, the national head coach of the Iranian team, confessed that his players came to Hangzhou to do their best to get the last slot available for Asian teams for Paris 2024. “I don’t think the results and classifications of the last Asian Para Games will have any effect now. Some teams were affected by the results, but we had no problems with the classification”, said, remembering the bronze medal won recently, also in Hangzhou. “Our main opponents are China and Korea, although China has already got the slot for Paris 2024”, he added.
Mr. Dousti believes that his team will be in the Paralympic Games, saying the message that has been passing to his players: “We wish them good luck! Our goal is to not only get the slot to Paris 2024 but also become Asian champions!”
Check out the men's results of the first two days and the schedule for the last day of the stage groups:
Monday, 13th
(m) China vs Pakistan: 10-0
(m) Australia vs Thailand: 9-10
(m) Iran vs Kazakhstan: 10-0
(m) Korea vs Mongolia: 10-0
Tuesday, 14th
(m) China vs Thailand: 12-6
(m) Pakistan vs Australia: 1-11
(m) Iran vs Mongolia: 11-1
(m) Kazakhstan vs Korea: 3-13
Wednesday, 15th
(m) 6 am – Iran vs Korea