【Japan Women's Junior National Handball Team】25th Women's Junior World Championship: Main Round Game 1 – Qualification for Top 8 to Be Decided in Clash Against Poland

Players facing Hungary

We sincerely appreciate your continued support for our association.

The Japan Women's Junior National Team (U-20), competing in the 25th Women's Junior World Championship currently underway in China, faced Hungary in their first main round match on June 29 at 18:30 local time (19:30 Japan time), losing 25–32.

Although Japan could not secure a Top 8 berth with this match, they will have another chance to qualify by facing Poland next.

・Main Round Game 1

Hungary 32 (15–13, 17–12) 25 Japan

[First Half] Clinging on tightly despite struggles

Hungary controlled the pace in the first half, leveraging their physical advantages and effective off-ball movement to counter Japan’s aggressive defense. Japan found themselves trailing 7–11 at the 17-minute mark.

Nevertheless, Japan fought hard, using relentless footwork to disrupt Hungary’s attacks. Goals from Wakanami Hokuto’s cut-in shot, Sasho Shunyo’s 7-meter throw, and Kato Mao’s post shot helped Japan close the gap, trailing by just two points at halftime, 13–15.

[Second Half] Valiant effort falls short

In the second half, Japan aimed to build momentum toward an equalizer or comeback, relying on full-effort defense and strong saves from goalkeeper Ozaki Hina. However, Hungary effectively exploited the spaces created by Japan’s aggressive defense to maintain their lead.

Japan fought stubbornly until the final whistle, but Hungary maintained their focus throughout, allowing no openings for Japan to capitalize.

Sasho Shunyo, top scorer for Japan with 6 goals

◇Japan’s Scoring and Goalkeeper Save Statistics

6 goals: #6 Sasho Shunyo

4 goals: #15 Kita Wakanami

3 goals: #23 Nakao Ai

3 goals: #25 Kato Mao

2 goals: #4 Kanno Airi

2 goals: #13 Ikeda Futaba

2 goals: #18 Kio Shurina

1 goal: #10 Matsumoto Yume

1 goal: #14 Nakamura Makoko

1 goal: #27 Saito Fubu

・Goalkeepers (Saves/Total Shots Faced)

7/32: #12 Ozaki Hina

1/8: #21 Sugimoto Mizuki

※Detailed statistics available here

◇Photo Gallery from This Match

Download photos here.

Images may be used for media reporting purposes only.

When used, please credit: ©IHF/Kolektiff/Anze Malovrh

◇Next Match

Main Round Game 2 vs Poland

Date and Time: June 30 (Tue) 16:15 local time (17:15 Japan time)

Japan, as Group H winners in the preliminary round, and Poland, Group G winners, both suffered losses in their first main round matches, leaving all four teams in their main round group with identical 1–1 records. Japan will face Poland—Group G winners in the preliminary round—in their second main round match on June 30 (Tue).

A win will guarantee Japan at least a second-place finish and qualification for the Top 8. A draw would leave Japan in a position where their final ranking could be anywhere from 1st to 4th depending on goal difference. If Japan loses to Poland, they will finish third or lower and will no longer be able to qualify for the Top 8.

Despite accumulating fatigue from consecutive intense matches, the players remain determined for a final push toward Top 8 qualification. We ask for your continued support and attention.

【25th IHF Women's Junior (U-20) Handball World Championship】

Dates: June 24 (Wed), 2026 – July 5 (Sun)

Host Country: China

Tournament Details: Tournament Page

Japan Team Matches

Japan’s Main Round Schedule:

・June 30 (Tue) 16:15 (17:15 Japan time) vs Poland

※Note: This match starts earlier than Japan’s previous four games.

Schedules from July 2 onward will be determined by main round standings.

◇Broadcast and Streaming

Live streaming available on the IHF (International Handball Federation) official YouTube channel

Poland match (June 30, live stream)

Faroe Islands match (June 24, archived)

Norway match (June 25, archived)

Croatia match (June 27, archived)

Hungary match (June 27, archived)

□Japan Team Roster

25th Women's Junior World Championship Team Roster