11th AAGC water polo.. JAPAN DOWNS IRAN FOR THE CROWN

Japan leaned on its vaunted defense to ruin Iran, 17-13, in the men's water polo final of the 11th Asian Age Group Championships at the New Clark City Aquatic Center in Capas ,Tarlac over the weekend.

Skipper Kai Inoue, who was later awarded MVP, and Sota Hombe scored four goals each for the Japanese team, which claimed the gold medal with a 6-0 record.

"We are happy to win the gold medal," said coach Shota Hazui, a member of the national team that competed at the Asian Games, winning the silver (2014 Incheon) and bronze (2010 Guangzhou) medals.

Hazui, who served as assistant to head coach Yoshinori Shiota during the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Qatar, shared that his team came to the Philippines prepared.

Aside from Iran, Japan also had a close game against China (14-11).

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan defeated China, 7-4, to settle for the bronze medal. Singapore downed Uzbekistan, 15-10, to finish fifth while Saudi Arabia nipped Malaysia, 14-13, for seventh place.

JAPAN women water polo team reigned supreme at the 11th Asian Age Group Championship WP event before tha Japanese men's squad trounced Iran for the gold in the prestigious aquatic event hosted by the Philippines in New Clark City, Capas,Tarlac over the weekend. Photo by MENCHIE SALAZAR