Sport · Singapore Bureau
Japan's Shiokoshi urges fans to support women's football after Asian Games triumph
Japan's penalty shootout hero Yuzuho Shiokoshi has called for greater domestic support of women's football following her team's gold medal victory at the Asian Games, despite modest attendance at the final.
LSN Singapore ·
NAGOYA, Japan - Japan secured the women's football gold medal at the Asian Games after a penalty shootout victory over North Korea, but the triumph has prompted reflection on the sport's popularity at home.
Yuzuho Shiokoshi, the standout performer in the shootout, has expressed hope that the team's success on home soil will inspire more Japanese fans to embrace women's football. The final, held in Nagoya, drew a modest crowd despite the national team's impressive performance and the significance of winning gold at a major continental tournament.
The midfielder's comments highlight a persistent challenge facing women's football in Japan, where professional domestic leagues continue to struggle with attendance and viewership compared to their male counterparts. With the team having delivered an Asian Games gold medal, officials and players are optimistic that the achievement could serve as a catalyst for increased fan engagement.
Shiokoshi's call for greater support underscores the players' desire to see their sport gain traction among Japanese audiences. The team's success at the Games provides an opportunity to build momentum and attract investment in the development of women's football across the country.