Japan Edges Out Defending Champion South Korea to Win 2024 Asian Women’s Handball Championship

New Delhi, December 10, 2024 — In a thrilling climax to the 20th Asian Women’s Handball Championship, Japan emerged victorious against South Korea, winning the championship title with a score of 25-24 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. The final, held on December 10, 2024, Tuesday was a showcase of skill, determination, and resilience as both teams fought fiercely for supremacy.

The final match began with South Korea, the defending champions and historically dominant in Asian women’s handball, establishing an early lead. However, Japan quickly countered with strategic plays and strong defense. The first half ended with South Korea leading 12-9, putting pressure on Japan to respond in the second half.

As the second half unfolded, Japan demonstrated remarkable tenacity. Led by standout performances from players like Miyuki Nakayama, who scored crucial goals during critical moments, Japan began to close the gap. The match intensified as both teams exchanged leads, with neither willing to back down.

With just minutes remaining on the clock and the score tied at 24-24, Japan’s defense held strong against South Korea’s final attempts. In a decisive moment, Japanese player Yuki Tanaka scored the winning goal, sealing Japan’s victory at 25-24 and breaking South Korea’s streak of seven consecutive championship wins.

The victory marked Japan’s second title in Asian women’s handball history, their first since 2004, and is seen as a significant achievement for the team. Following the match, jubilant Japanese fans celebrated their team’s triumph with cheers and chants echoing throughout the stadium.

Apparently jubilant Japanese team coach Yoshiko Tanaka worked tirelessly to reach this point, and Japanese players showed immense heart and determination in the final match on Tuesday.

For South Korea, this loss represents a setback for a team that has long dominated women’s handball in Asia. Despite their disappointment, players expressed pride in their performance throughout the tournament and vowed to return stronger.

Diplomates from the embassies of both the nations including their ambassador had reached the stadium to cheer for their players and encourage them. ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan, Takashi Ariyoshi, the Deputy Chief of Mission, and Kenji Sugino, Secretary General, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCII) were among many other diplomats from the embassy. On the call of JCCII, many top representatives of Japanese companies were also present to cheer for their country’s players.

LEE Seong-ho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India along with other embassy diplomats was also present during the final match to support and encourage Korean players. Many Korean corporate heads were also seen in the stadium to support the Korean team.

Implications for Future Competitions: The Asian Women’s Handball Championship serves as a crucial qualifier for the upcoming 2025 World Women’s Handball Championship, set to take place in Germany and the Netherlands. With this victory, Japan secures its spot alongside South Korea and other top-performing teams from the tournament.

As both teams look toward future competitions, this championship has highlighted emerging talent and showcased the growing popularity of women’s handball across Asia.

The 20th Asian Women’s Handball Championship not only crowned Japan as champions but also reinforced the competitive spirit of women’s sports in Asia. As fans celebrate this remarkable achievement, all eyes will be on both Japan and South Korea as they prepare for upcoming international challenges on the world stage.

This thrilling final has set a high bar for future tournaments and underscored the excitement surrounding handball in Asia.