Hojo brings Japan its first Asian Games gold — Channel NewsAsia
Japanese triathlete Takumi Hojo won the first Asian Games gold medal for the host country, taking victory in the men's individual event in the city of Gamagori, Japan. He completed the distance in 52 minutes and 56 seconds.
Competition results
The triathlon programme consisted of a 750-metre swim, a 20-kilometre cycling stage and a 5,000-metre run. Hojo finished nine seconds ahead of Chinese athlete Zhang Xirui, who came second and won silver. The bronze medal was claimed by Arlan Zhanabay of Kazakhstan, who was another six seconds behind the silver medallist.
During the final running stage, Zhang stayed close to Hojo, but the Japanese athlete ultimately retained his lead. According to Channel NewsAsia, Hojo's victory will also secure his qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
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Medallists' reactions
The 30-year-old Hojo said the first gold was an important boost for the Japanese team. He also noted that he was focused ahead of the start and was in good form. A year earlier, the athlete won the Asian Games triathlon test event on the same course.
Zhang said he was happy with the medal, although disappointed to lose to a representative of Japan. The 20-year-old Zhanabay called the bronze his first Asian Games medal and expressed satisfaction with the result.
