Lithuania wins International Goalball Tournament

Lithuania 2 won gold at the International Goalball Tournament "Vilnius Vytautas Magnus Lions Club Cup”, held in Vilnius, Lithuania, from 14-17 July.

In the final, the hosts defeated Lithuania 1 7-4, whilst European champions Turkey collected bronze. Belgium finished fourth, followed by reigning Paralympic champions Finland, Canada, Germany, Ukraine, Sweden and the USA.

The competition served as preparation for the teams ahead of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

“All teams are strong, have a very high competitive level and none of them has been easy to play against,” said Lithuanian goalball player Mindaugas Suchovejus.

Lithuania head coach Karol Lewicki said that Rio 2016’s goalball event will be different: “It is difficult to say how we will perform at the Paralympics based on these results.

“A friendly event such as this one and the Paralympic Games are completely different competitions.

“In Rio, we face a really tough-looking group with London 2012 gold medallists Finland, Asian champions China, the USA and European champions Turkey.”

The Paralympic Goalball competition will take place between 8-16 September at the Future Arena.