NAGOYA - Japanese blind football players expressed gratitude for the cheers and chants of local fans after they defeated Thailand 1-0 in a preliminary-round match at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games on Tuesday.
In blind football, all four outfield players are classified as B1, the category for athletes with severe visual impairments, and wear eyeshades during matches. Goalkeepers may be sighted or partially sighted.
After goalkeeper Masashi Kamiyama made a series of key saves in the first half, captain Ryo Kawamura scored the winner in the fourth minute of the second period from Yuki Saito's assist.
The 37-year-old Kawamura began playing during his university days after an illness in childhood impaired his vision. The two-time Paralympian has served as Japan's captain for more than a decade.
After losing to China in the preliminary-round opener, Japan have won three straight games, beating India, South Korea and Thailand.
"We've gone into every remaining game determined to win, so I'm pleased we were able to take three points today despite a tough match," Kawamura said.
The sport's ball contains rattles that make a noise when in motion, while guides stationed behind each goal help direct players. Spectators are asked to remain quiet during play but are encouraged to cheer when goals are scored.
The stands were not full, but many local elementary school pupils attended the Japan-Thailand match with their classmates and teachers.
"I could hear the children behind the goal, and their chants of 'Nippon' really spurred us on and gave us a boost," Kawamura said. "This has been a tournament where we've really been able to feel the home advantage."
Kenta Hayashi, a 17-year-old making his Asian Para Games debut, echoed the sentiment, saying the spectators' clapping and chants during halftime and timeouts were "a huge encouragement, and I'd love to hear more of them."
Asked whether the cheers make it difficult to hear instructions from the manager, Hayashi denied that was the case, saying, "Having chants of 'Nippon' makes a huge difference to our motivation. It wouldn't be the same without them."
Noting that the home Asian Para Games are his first major multi-sport event, Hayashi said he hopes blind football will help change how sighted people view those with visual impairments and contribute to creating a world where "everyone can interact on equal terms."
