By CNN
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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.
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.
“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.
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.
