Thai jiu-jitsu athlete Orapa wins first Asian Games gold

NAGOYA, Japan — Orapa Senatham claimed Thailand’s first-ever Asian Games gold medal in jiu-jitsu after defeating the Philippines’ Alexandria Luz Enriquez in the women’s under-63kg final on Saturday.

The victory at the Aichi Prefectural Martial Arts Hall marked Orapa’s second major international title after she won gold at the 2025 World Games.

Orapa began her campaign with a win over Aisha Alnebi of the United Arab Emirates in the round of 16. She then defeated Andrea Lui Leo of the Philippines in the quarterfinals before overcoming Jordan’s Yama Aishaqat in the semifinals.

In the final, Orapa and Enriquez battled closely before the Thai athlete secured victory on points to take the gold medal.

The title was Thailand’s 16th gold medal at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

In the women’s under-63kg event, Orapa’s teammate Aksornphak Sirimak was eliminated in the round of 16 after losing to Naran Kishing Basanjargal of Mongolia.

In the men’s under-85kg division, both Thai competitors were eliminated in the round of 32. Sukitpeerarat Jantanakha lost to Japan’s Izuki Go, while Thanaphat Pholphut was defeated by Jordan’s Osama Nabas.