Para Sport Awards 2025: Japan's wheelchair rugby team receives Best Team award
The Japanese wheelchair rugby team made history by winning their first-ever Paralympic gold medal at Paris 2024 20 Nov 2025
Japan’s wheelchair rugby team has been named Best Team in the Para Sport Award 2025 in recognition for its outstanding achievements at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
The Japanese wheelchair rugby team made history by winning their first-ever Paralympic gold medal at Paris 2024, becoming the first Asian nation to achieve the feat in the sport. This landmark victory also propelled Japan to the top of the world rankings.
In October 2023, the team captured the World Wheelchair Rugby Asia-Oceania Championship title, defeating Australia in the final to secure their place at the Paralympic Games. At Paris 2024, Japan once again overcame Australia in the semi-final before triumphing over Team USA in the final.
Commenting on the award win, the team said: “We are deeply honoured to receive the Para Sport Award 2025 for Best Team.
“The Japan Wheelchair Rugby National Team won its first-ever Paralympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. This remarkable achievement was made possible through the dedication of all our players, and staff, as well as the tremendous support of so many others.
“We are proud that our players, staff, and supporters came together and acted as one to achieve this recognition. We will continue to cherish this team and strive for even greater success in the future. At the same time, we remain committed to contributing to the growth and promotion of all Para sports, including wheelchair rugby.
“Finally, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us along the way.”
Japan’s wheelchair rugby team made its debut at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games and has appeared in every Paralympic Games since then. They earned their first Paralympic medal, a bronze, at Rio 2016, followed by bronze again at Tokyo 2020.
The 2025 Para Sport Awards celebrate those whose efforts have contributed to strengthening the impact of Para sports worldwide.
The Best Team category recognises the achievements of a team between 1 May 2023 to 31 March 2025.
Discover all the winners of the 2025 Para Sport Awards
