Japan, Thailand claim crowns at Australian rules football cup in Vietnam
Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 11:18 GMT+7
Japan and Thailand emerged as the men’s and women’s champions at the inaugural Australian Football League (AFL) Asia Cup, which wrapped up in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday, according to the Australian Consulate General.
The first AFL Asia Cup took place at Thanh Long Sports Complex in outlying Binh Chanh District from December 6 to 8.
The AFL is the governing body for Australian rules football, a unique sport in Australia that is played on an oval pitch with an oval ball by two teams of nine players per side.
The event marked an important milestone for this sport in Asia in general and in Vietnam in particular, according to Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Saigon) newspaper.
This tournament was held exclusively for Asian citizens with 15 teams of around 300 players from ten countries and territories, including Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Laos, Pakistan, and Thailand, the Australian Consulate General said.
Spectators were welcome to attend the 2024 AFL Asia Cup free of charge.
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| The Japanese Men’s Championship team at the 2024 AFL Asia Cup held from December 6 to 8, 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Facebook page of AFL Asia |
Among the 15 teams were ten men’s teams, and five women’s teams from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Thailand, AFL Asia said in a press release.
After three days of fierce competition, Japan faced Cambodia in the championship men's game, with the Japanese coming out victorious with a final score of 17.9 (111) to 3.2 (20).
AFL Asia stressed that the Japanese team demonstrated incredible skills and determination to claim the men's top spot in Asia.
Meanwhile, the Thailand Serpents were victorious in a thrilling women's final against the Cambodian Eagles.
According to the AFL, the most valuable players were Japan’s Kouki Ariga (men's) and Thailand’s Irravadee Makris (women's).
AFL said it is committed to developing this sport internationally and supporting the development of talent in emerging markets like Asia.
As a traditional sport in Australia, Australian rules football combines football, basketball, athletics, and rugby.
In Vietnam, this sport is still quite new to many people even though it has been played here for over 10 years, according to Sai Gon Giai Phong.
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