The 11th Asian Aquatics Championships in Ahmedabad continued with another action-packed day of water polo, featuring semifinal clashes and classification encounters across both men’s and women’s categories.
While Japan, China, and Iran booked their berths in the finals, Singapore registered a commanding 27–7 win over India in the Women’s 5–8 classification match at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex. In the women’s 5–8 classification round, Singapore overwhelmed India with a dominant attacking display to secure a 27–7 victory. Their fluid passing, superior movement in the water, and clinical finishing left India struggling to contain the relentless pressure.
Singapore’s offense was led by Tio Ji Suan, Lim Wan Jun Nicole, and Koh Xiao Li, each scoring four goals. Lee Xuan Hui and Wan Celeste Ferraao contributed three apiece, while Yap Jingxuan Ranice, Gan Huimin, and Yeo Ying Xuan Kayla added two each. Ong Shu En, Ong Jia Hui, and Loo Tee Inna rounded off the scoring with a goal apiece. For India, Captain Varsha Suresh and Kripa Ranichithra netted two goals each, while Safwa Sakeer, Dhruthi Karthikeya, and Madhurima Shanti chipped in with one goal each. Despite moments of resistance, India couldn’t match Singapore’s speed and precision, falling to one of their heaviest defeats of the campaign.
Japan and China Storm into Women’s Final
The women’s semifinals produced contrasting results. In the first semi-final, Japan edged past Thailand 25–21 in a thrilling, high-tempo contest. Japan’s Lowrey Nina delivered a standout performance with nine goals, supported by Sanda Yumeka (4), Kobayashi Maho (3), and Shironoshita Kaho (3). For Thailand, Rueangsappaisan Raksina top-scored with seven goals, while Puangtong Kritsana added four in a valiant losing effort. In the other semifinal, China proved far too strong for Kazakhstan, registering a comprehensive 14–4 victory. China’s Zhang Qishuo led the scoring with five goals, while captain Sun Yating added three.
Their disciplined defense kept Kazakhstan quiet for long spells, with only Kaplun Viktoriya, Anossova Valeriya, Nabiyeva Milena, and Ozkaya Alina managing a goal each for the losing side. The result sets up a blockbuster Japan vs China final, a clash between the tournament’s two most balanced teams.
Iran Edge Japan in Men’s Semi-Final Thriller
In one of the most gripping contests of the tournament so far, Iran edged Japan 19–18 in the men’s semifinal. The match saw multiple lead changes and outstanding attacking play from both sides. Iran’s captain Yazdankhab Mehdi was in sensational form, scoring seven goals to lead his team to victory. Ghavidelhajiagha Amin (3), Mehrikohneshahri Alireza (2), and Iranpourtari Ashkan (2) also played key roles. Japan’s captain Ura Enishi scored four goals, while Lowrey Jun, Maeda Toshiyuki, Moroiya Yuki, and Maeda Atsuya each netted three. The Japanese side pushed Iran to the limit, but the defending champions held their nerve in the closing stages to seal their place in the final.
Iran will now await the winner of the China vs Kazakhstan semifinal to determine their opponent in the men’s final. Elsewhere, in the other women’s 5–8 classification match, Uzbekistan defeated Hong Kong 14–7. Gavashelashvili Elena and Andriyakhina Sofiya led with four goals each, while Ho Cheuk Kiu’s four-goal effort was the highlight for Hong Kong. In the men’s 5–8 classification round, Thailand edged Hong Kong 15–14 in a nail-biter. Thailand’s Kaewmanee Suteenan starred with five goals, while Choi Hin Kit Gilman netted four for Hong Kong.
In the day’s final classification encounter, Singapore continued their impressive showing, defeating Uzbekistan 24–11. Ong Ee Ki Joshua, Lee Jia Jun Isaac, and Chow Yong Jun scored four goals each in a well-rounded performance that highlighted Singapore’s growing presence in Asian water polo. As the championships enter their final stretch, all eyes will now turn to the much-anticipated finals, with Japan and China set to battle for women’s gold, and Iran waiting to see whether China or Kazakhstan will join them in the men’s final showdown.
