Israel women’s squad captures first major goalball championship

Israel’s women’s goalball team is making its case for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games after winning the 2015 International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) World Games title in Seoul, South Korea.

The gold-medal win turned out to be the nation’s first major Championship victory, as Israel defeated London 2012 Paralympic silver medalist China 4-1 on Sunday (17 May).

The match was won by superb shot-making during penalties. China received three noise penalties, plus an illegal coaching penalty, and Israel’s Elham Mahamid was able to convert on all those opportunities.

The victory followed Israel’s tight 4-3 semifinal win over Canada. Canada went on to defeat Australia 5-1 in the bronze-medal match.

China, however, had another shot at gold later on Sunday. But their men’s team was no match for Lithuania, who downed their rivals 10-3.

The men’s bronze went to Sweden, who held off Turkey 2-0.

A ranking has been created based on results from tournament. Who will qualify for Rio 2016 from this tournament will not be determined until after all regional Championships have been played. A team will first qualify as a regional champion. After that, the list of teams from the IBSA World Games will be taken into consideration. The three top men’s teams and two top women’s teams who have not already qualified as a regional champion will then be granted a spot in Rio.