Asia’s Judo Strength on Display in Nagoya / IJF.org

Five more individual titles were decided on the second day of judo at the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, as the competition continued to reveal the depth, diversity and ambition of the continent’s strongest programmes.

At the Aichi International Arena, judoka from across Asia competed in five weight categories. From the opening contests to the final block, the day was defined by close contests, contrasting styles and a medal distribution that demonstrated how broad the level of performance has become throughout the region.

In the men’s -73 kg category, Kazbek Naguchev secured a significant gold medal for the United Arab Emirates. Shakhram Ahadov (UZB) took silver, while Muhiddin Asadulloev (TJK) and Tatsuki Ishihara (JPN) earned bronzes. For the Emirati team, the title was an important moment in a field that brought together several of the category’s most capable competitors.

-63kg Final: Ji Hye Kim (PRK) vs Narumi Tanioka (JPN).

The men’s -81 kg podium was led by Sotaro Fujiwara (JPN), who claimed gold ahead of Adilet Almat (KAZ). Joonhwan Lee (KOR) and Abubakr Sherov (TJK) completed the podium with bronze medals, giving the category four medallists from four different nations.

The Republic of Korea celebrated gold in the women’s -57 kg category with Mimi Huh. Ariunzaya Terbish (MGL) won silver, while Mio Shirakane (JPN) and Hyon A Kim (PRK) took bronze medals. It was another illustration of the quality present across the women’s categories, where every contest carried importance far beyond a single result.

In the women’s -63 kg category, Narumi Tanioka (JPN) took the title. Hye Ji Kim (PRK) earned silver, while Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo (MGL) and Esmigul Kuyulova (KAZ) joined them on the podium. Kazakhstan, Mongolia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea were once again among the nations making a strong impact during the day.

The women’s -70 kg category concluded with Rin Maeda (JPN) winning gold. Azhar Askhat (KAZ) finished with silver, while Song Hui Mun of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Anujin Uran-Ulzii of Mongolia claimed bronze medals.

After two days, the medal table already reflects the depth of Asian judo. Japan has accumulated five titles but Uzbekistan, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea and the United Arab Emirates have all won gold medals. Kazakhstan and Tajikistan have built consistent podium momentum, while China and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea have also underlined their competitive presence.

The final individual day will take place on Friday with the men’s -90 kg, -100 kg and +100 kg categories, together with the women’s -78 kg and +78 kg categories. The mixed team event will follow, bringing the judo competition to a close with one final test of collective strength.