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Journalism of Courage
Thailand it is. Even after the Japanese led for a majority of the game, Thailand had to wait till the 37th minute – the last four of play – to get the lead that they wouldn’t relinquish, eventually winning 37-33. As such, the South East Asian team became the last to book a semi-final berth, joining Iran, South Korea and hosts India.
As such, the South East Asian team became the last to book a semi-final berth, joining Iran, South Korea and hosts India.
Instead, India will play Thailand for a spot in the final, while Iran take on the Koreans, who had beaten India in the opening match of the tournament.
On the night though, the youngest team of the tournament required the inspiration of their 24-year-old skipper Khomsan Thongkham, who gave his team the lead in the 37th minute. The six-footer did however, have a slow start to the game, managing empty raids in each of his first three attempts. At the end of the match however, he ended up topping the leaderboard for most number of raid points amassed by a player in the Ahmedabad-based event, 53 from five matches.
At the same time, Thailand’s cover defender Peeradach Jantajam played a significant role, especially when, as the only player left on the mat, he brought down Japan’s Makoto Sawazu in a one-on-one scenario that normally has the defender offer surrender points.
Japan though did find significant contributors through their all-rounder Kazuhiro Takano and right-corner defender Takamitsu Kono.
The Thai players meanwhile were playing with black armbands to mourn the death of their King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away last week. The team has now qualified for the World Cup semi-final for the first time in the three editions of the tournament.
