Kumamoto Hosts Thrilling Wheelchair Twin Basketball Championship
On January 18th and 19th, the 33rd Kyushu Wheelchair Twin Basketball Championship took place at the state-of-the-art arena of Kumamoto Health Science university, located in Kita Ward, Kumamoto City. This unique sport,distinct from traditional wheelchair basketball,is designed to be inclusive for individuals with severe disabilities affecting both their upper and lower bodies. The game features two goals: a standard-height goal (3.05 meters) and a lower goal (1.2 meters). Additionally, a 3-6 meter circle surrounds the lower goal, with shooting positions varying based on the player’s level of mobility impairment.
Organized by the Kyushu Wheelchair Basketball Federation, this event mirrors the annual Asahi Kyushu Wheelchair Basketball Championship held in December. Though, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to widespread disruptions, with many teams suspending their Twin Basketball practices. After a prolonged hiatus, activities gradually resumed last year, culminating in this year’s tournament, which saw participation from five teams across Fukuoka, Nagasaki, oita, and Kumamoto prefectures.
While the pace of wheelchair twin basketball is slower compared to its traditional counterpart, and players face challenges with hand and arm mobility, the sport’s essence lies in the determination and teamwork displayed on the court. Spectators were treated to an inspiring display of athleticism, with players maneuvering their wheelchairs skillfully to chase the ball, earning heartfelt applause and cheers from the audience.
The championship’s final match was a thrilling showdown between two powerhouse teams. Hakata Patrasche from Fukuoka emerged victorious, defeating Kumamoto’s Maugots with a decisive score of 42-22. Below are the detailed results from the tournament:
| 3rd place match | Breakers of the sun (Oita) | 86―6 | Apollons, House of the Sun (Oita) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd round | Maugots (Kumamoto) | 86―0 | Apollons, House of the Sun (Oita) |
| Hakata Patrasche (Fukuoka) | 68―28 | Breakers of the Sun (Oita) | |
| 1st round | Hakata Patrasche (Fukuoka) | 57―6 | Nagasaki Shadow Knights (Nagasaki) |
Suive and requires continuous running around the court. team members must be in constant motion while navigating across the court by slamming against the stearing frame and bumpers, thereby ensuring that everyone gets a chance to score and be a integral part of the team. The exciting two-day tournament featured six teams battling it out for the title.They included the Kumamoto Golden Wings and Kumamoto Parrots from the host city, the Fukuoka Angels, and the Hokushin Rocket from Misato,Akita, formerly known as the Hokushin Bard.
Kumamoto is the pioneering location for this distinct variant of wheelchair basketball, hence the prestigious event was keenly contested amongst the participants.An estimated 1300 spectators attended the tournament,which ended in an exhilarating final. The Kumamoto Golden Wings clinched the trophy by defeating the Fukuoka Angels 42-32 in a tightly fought contest. Their successful back-to-back triumph demonstrates their prowess and dominance in the game.The Golden Wings’ captain and mainstay, Akihiro Matsuyama, expressed his joy in leading his side to victory and lauded the event for bringing the best out of all the participants.
Having began in 1989, the festival is an annual event in Kumamoto.”The sport is improving in quality each year,and we would like it to be enjoyed by more people in the future,” Matsuyama said, expressing his hopes to increase awareness of this unique sport. The motivational message from him resonates with the need to showcase and promote this physically and mentally demanding game to inspire current and future sports enthusiats with disabilities.
Winner: kumamoto Golden Wings
Runner-up: Fukuoka Angels
Final score: 42-32 (Golden Wings)
