Japan Softball National Team wins 7th straight Asian Games title

When the victory was decided, the players jumped out of the bench and shared their joy. Japan's softball team has won its seventh straight title. Goto, who is from Aichi Prefecture, said, ``I was pushed back by the cheers. I'm relieved.'' The players who overcame the pressure showed smiles and relief on their faces.

A rematch in the final against China, who narrowly won in the first league. Ace Goto defeated an opponent whose strength was his strong hitting. Push with a powerful fastball and collect curveballs with good brakes low. He allowed only two hits in the fifth inning, and proudly said, ``I didn't feel like I was going to get hit.''

The batting line-up was successful in being aware of how to connect. In the second inning, he scored one run, advanced the runner with a sacrifice hit, and added another point with a sacrifice fly. After that, he continued to attack steadily and won a called game. The 44-year-old Ueno, who was scheduled to pitch in the final stages, laughed and said, ``I showed my strength. I didn't think it would end in a called game.''

This is his second gold medal since the 2002 Busan Games. Captain Ishikawa said before the tournament, ``I have a sense of responsibility and awareness that I must not lose.'' However, once the game started, the team was cheerful and there was no stiffness in their play. ``The coach told me to have fun playing because I was playing in Japan.I was able to win well and it was a good tournament for the Olympics.''

Softball will be played at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics for the first time in two Olympics. Ueno said, ``As someone who is defending his No. 1 ranking in the world, I can't be satisfied with where I am now.'' It was a new step toward the big stage two years later.