First three boccia gold medals awarded in Rio

Slovakia, Brazil and Thailand claimed the three first boccia Paralympic titles at Rio 2016. 12 Sep 2016

Man in wheelchair throwing a boccia ball

Twenty-two competitors – from Brazil, Great Britain, Russia, Israel and Portugal – took part in the Aquece Rio International Boccia Tournament in Riocentro Pavilion 4 in Barra.

ⒸAlex Ferro / Rio 2016

By By BISFED and IPC

Slovakia sealed the first boccia Paralympic gold of the Games on Monday (12 September) after defeating Brazil 4-2 in the mixed pairs BC4 gold-medal game, with Thailand collecting bronze.

The Rio 2016 hosts took quick revenge in the mixed pairs BC3, claiming gold following a 5-2 win over overwhelming favourites South Korea.

Brazil took a 3-0 lead, but South Korea closed the gap and tried to force a tie-break. The hosts extended the lead to 5-2 and sealed a much-celebrated victory. Greece, who beat Singapore 8-1, won bronze.

The last gold medal of the day was won by Thailand in the mixed team BC1-2. The Asians beat Japan 9-4 in a thrilling final.

Thailand had scored over 10 points in all of their games going in to the final. Japan took an early 1-0 lead but Thailand bounced back and were 6-1 up at the half way point.

Thailand extended their lead to 9-1 going in to the final end. Even though Japan won the last end, the winner was already decided. Portugal ended third.

More information can be found on Rio 2016’s website.