Flag Football: Thailand and Japan captures gold in Shah Alam

Thailand and Japan celebrated flag football triumphs in the inaugural International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Asia-Oceania Flag Football Championships held at the EV Arena in Shah Alam.

In the men’s division, Thailand, ranked 13th globally, clinched the title by defeating New Zealand 31-25 . Meanwhile, Japan secured the top spot in the women’s category, beating Australia 47-29.

Malaysia finished fifth after overcoming Kuwait 39-24 in a classification match.

Victory marked by resilience and determination

In the men’s competition, Thailand’s path to victory was marked by resilience and determination. They finished atop Group B and earned a direct path to the semifinals with a flawless 4-0 record. In the semifinals, Thailand faced off against Australia and triumphed with a 48-21 scoreline.

The men’s final witnessed an intense battle between Thailand and New Zealand. Thailand managed to secure the championship with a narrow 31-25 win, cementing their dominance in the tournament.

In the women’s division, Japan showcased their superiority by winning the championship. Japan maintained an impressive 27-point lead in the final match against Australia. Despite a late resurgence by the Australian team, Japan ultimately sealed the victory with a final score of 47-29.

Australia remained defiant as Hayes scored a touchdown, Manfre snagged a high point after pass and then having earned two points with a safety, Casey Cubis hit Hayes for her third touchdown and the extra point to pull to within 11 points.

Flag football gaining rapid recognition

Flag football is rapidly gaining recognition and popularity not only in Great Britain but across the world. This high-octane, non-contact version of American football involves players pulling off flags worn on their hips to make tackles.

It is now played in various formats globally, with the 5v5 format being the most common in Great Britain. This aligns with the current competition format for the International Federation of American Football (IFAF).

In the 5v5 format, teams score 6 points when they reach the endzone. They also have the option to gain an additional 1 or 2 points through an extra point attempt. A 1-point conversion attempt starts 5 yards from the endzone, while a 2-point conversion attempt starts 10 yards from the endzone.

The IFAF Asia-Oceania Continental Flag Football Championship, held from October 27-29 in Shah Alam, Malaysia, served as an essential benchmark for the Sports Ministry. This recognition comes after flag football was included in the lineup for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

As flag football continues to gain prominence in various countries it serves as a testament to the sport’s universal appeal and potential for widespread growth. The IFAF Asia-Oceania Flag Football Championships have undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the sport’s enthusiasts and supporters.