Japan unexpectedly won gold for the first time ever in the men’s goalball match at the Paralympics through a stunning golden goal while Turkey was crowned women’s champions for third time on Thursday.

In a very intense match at the South Paris Arena, Japan narrowly beat Ukraine 4-3 in extra time with a decisive golden goal by Yuto Sano. So, from the fifth position at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago to the victory, they have improved their position on the international arena.

Japan had early control in front of a charge of a rowdy stadium. The first three minutes of the game saw Japan’s Kazuya Kaneko and Koji Miyajiki score goals to make the home team lead 2-0.

But Ukraine replied immediately. Then, on the stroke of the half-hour mark, Vasyl Oliinyk equalized after Anton Strelchyk had pulled one back for the hosts.

Just two minutes into the second half, Japan was threatening to grab the lead again, but just before the ball hit the back of the net, Oleksandr Toporkov of Ukraine raced back and cleared the ball off the line.

The second half was very aggressive; Sano managed to hit a hard throw that was penetrating through the Ukraine defense to make a quick lead again for Japan 3-2.

Desperate for the draw, Ukraine tried to push with tremendous amount of pressure, whereas Japan’s trio defensively stood strong and compact for the black and reds; however, the wall eventually began to negate in the last two minutes.

After Strelchyk’s pass got partially saved, it went past the legs of the defenders and into the net to even the score at three goals apiece to force extra time.

When assessing Ukraine’s capacity to respond to blitzkrieg attacks, Japan wisely used an inherently slower player, Yuto Sano. His aim proved fruitful when he made the decisive shot to win the cup and make history for Japan by capturing their first Paralympic gold medal.

“I just threw the ball I had the most confidence in,” Sano said with excitement. “I’m thrilled to bring this win to Japan.”

“At the Tokyo Games, the women’s team took third place, and all we could do was watch. It was frustrating,” Sano admitted. "I didn't hear the final whistle blow, but from the cheers in the venue I realized I'd done it," Sano said, "My body just reacted on its own," he said, after he had leaped into the air to celebrate.”

Japan’s head coach Rikiya Kudo could not hide his emotions and was visibly shaken throughout the match; he is a former Japan player.

“The younger players have carried forward our hopes and have become the best in the world,”  coach Rikiya Kudo said.

Turkish women’s team who had the taste of triumph in Rio and Tokyo excelled again in this event and clinched the gold for a record third time. They beat Israel 8-3 and won their third gold at the Paralympic Games which proved that the women’s has become an unstoppable force in the sport.

"Three finals, three championships, three gold medals," remarked Sevda Altunoluk, Turkey’s three-time Paralympic champion, proudly reflecting on her team’s unparalleled success.

"I can't explain my feelings because I am so happy and the feeling is so deep."

The defending world champions, Sevda Altunoluk and Fatma Gul Guler, got two goals in the first two minutes of the match against Israel.

Japan’s men’s team participated in Paralympics for the first time in Tokyo and reached fifth place of the tournament. Yet in Paris, they emerged as dangerous rivals; they ousted the powerful United States in the quarters and produced a drama-filled win over the Tokyo, China, silver medalists in the semis.

"I think there's still room to get more excited about goalball," Sano said. "I started doing this sport because I simply thought it was cool...From the way you throw the ball to defending, I just want people to know how cool it is and to win new fans."

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