Saturday, November 18th, 2023.- Colombia achieved a narrow victory against Brazil in mixed wheelchair rugby in the fourth round of the day held at the Centro de Deportes Colectivos, winning 55-48 to the applause of the audience.

The first half ended with a 14-12 advantage for Brazil, while the second was a tie at 14. In the third, Colombia took the lead 16-11, and in the final quarter, they confirmed their superiority, winning 13-9, sealing the victory for the team that won bronze in Toronto 2015 and Lima 2019.

Colombia's Jhon Orozco was the top scorer, with 36 tries (or scores), followed by his teammate Julián Vargas with 7, and Edgar Vanegas with 4.

This versatile discipline combines elements of rugby, basketball, and handball. Players compete in teams of four to pass the ball through the opposing team's try line. Contact between wheelchairs is allowed and is an integral part of the sport: players use their wheelchairs to block opponents.

Athletes dedicated to this activity require a lot of arm strength to respond to the opponents' offense. In fact, strength in the entire trunk and upper limbs is crucial.

For both teams, the next steps are, for Colombia, a match tomorrow with Chile in the first round at 11:00 a.m., while Brazil will face Canada from 1:00 p.m. onward.

Written by Ernesto Bustos B. – Esteban López; translated by Paulette Bertín / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Luis Hidalgo / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport