Japan's Natsuki Aizawa (up) in action during the women's handball final against South Korea at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou on Oct. 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)
HANGZHOU, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Qatar overcame Bahrain to clinch their third consecutive Asian Games title in men's handball here on Thursday, while Japan upset defending champion South Korea to win the women's gold.
Mohamed Habib Hasan Ahmed of Bahrain was given a red card for a foul just 13 minutes into the final, allowing Qatar to bounce back in the second half to take a 32-25 victory.
Japan beat Kuwait in a 31-30 thriller to bag the bronze medal.
In the women's final, Japan, bronze medalist at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, took an early lead thanks to their fierce offense on the wings. Japan's goalkeeper denied several clear chances in the second half to seal a 29-19 win, dashing South Korea's hopes of winning a third gold in a row.
"We lost to South Korea in the Paris Olympic qualifiers a month ago. Beating them now at the Asian Games gives us lots of confidence," said Japan head coach Shigeo Kusumoto.
"They have strong offense, but our defense withstood the test. That's our key to success," he added.
China overcame a slow start in the first half and maintained their advantage to defeat Kazakhstan 39-26 for the bronze.
"We were under huge pressure after losing to South Korea and Japan earlier," admitted China coach Zheng Yongli. "I want to thank my players for clinching this precious medal." ■
