India Lose 1-6 to Japan After Defensive Collapse in Asian Para Games Blind Football

India suffered their second consecutive defeat in men’s blind football at the Asian Para Games 2026, going down 1-6 to hosts Japan after a disastrous second half in Nagoya on Saturday.

The contest was evenly poised at 1-1 at half-time, but India’s defence failed to contain Japan after the break, conceding five goals in the final 20 minutes of the 40-minute match.

Sovendra Singh was India’s lone scorer, finding the net in the 16th minute to keep the visitors in contention during the opening half. However, Japan returned with greater attacking intensity and took control of the match as the contest progressed.

Hirabayashi Taichi proved the biggest threat for the Indian defence, scoring four goals in the third, 22nd, 32nd and 35th minutes. Kawamura Ryo added Japan’s fifth goal in the 25th minute, while Hayashi Kent completed the 6-1 victory in the 39th minute.

The defeat leaves India at the bottom of the eight-team standings without a point after two matches. The team had also lost its opening encounter, going down 0-2 to South Korea on Friday.

India will need to address its defensive vulnerabilities and find greater consistency if it hopes to recover in the remaining matches. After holding Japan level at the break, the team’s inability to withstand the hosts’ second-half pressure proved decisive.

For India, the immediate challenge will be to regroup following back-to-back defeats and produce a stronger performance in the tournament.