Japan defeats USA to win wheelchair rugby gold at Paris Paralympics

CNN —

Japan won gold by defeating Team USA 48-41 in the wheelchair rugby final at the 2024 Paralympics on Monday.

The victory sealed Japan’s first-ever gold in the popular event.

The Japanese players and fans celebrated the country’s historic first gold in this competition as time expired at the Champ-de-Mars Arena.

The Japanese, who led by just one point at halftime, only turned over the ball twice in the match compared to the Americans, who gave it away nine times.

Japan defeated USA to earn the gold medal in the wheelchair rugby final at the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games.

Katsuya Hashimoto led Japan with 19 tries.

Japan earned bronze at the last two Paralympics.

The result meant Team USA, which had medaled at every Paralympics in this event, finished in silver medal position for the third straight Games.

US star Chuck Aoki, a four-time Paralympian, was devastated after the game.

Team USA's Chuck Aoki attempts to score in the gold medal game versus Japan.

“It sucks. I wanted this so bad for our team,” the 33-year-old said after the loss.

“I know it’s a team sport, but I can’t help but feel like I let everyone down. … It hurts.”

Aoki didn’t rule out another run at gold in four years in Los Angeles.

Earlier in the competition, Sarah Adam made history by becoming the first woman to compete for Team USA in wheelchair rugby at a Paralympic Games.

Team USA's Sarah Adam challenges Japan's Katsuya Hashimoto during the wheelchair rugby final at the 2024 Paralympic Games.

Adam had 14 tries in Monday’s final – tied for the team lead with Aoki.

Australia defeated Great Britain 50-48 to earn bronze in the event.