Japan wins BPI AIA Asia 7s

By Robert Andaya

Japan emerged as champions of the BPI AIA Asia 7s.

Takaharu Nakagawa scored the winning goal in the last minute of regulation time as Japan defeated India, 3-2, in the final held at McKinley Hill Stadium in Taguig.

Nakagawa had earlier scored Japan’s first goal just before halftime, but Johnson D’Silva of India equalized at the start of the second half. It was close from there.

Tomoya Sekineagain put Japan ahead with a goal in the 30th minute, but Mervin Stephen of India responded with a goal in the 41st minute to level the scores anew.

However, Nakagawa’s late goal secured the win for the Japanese, who remained unbeaten throughout the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record.

Host Philippines settled for the bronze medal by defeating Brunei 6-3, with MJ Libre scoring all but one of their goals.