Japan’s Hojo scripts history, wins first gold of Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

Gold medallist Japan's Takumi Hojo celebrates on the podium (Image: Reuters)

Japan got the perfect start to its home Asian Games campaign as Takumi Hojo stormed to victory in the men’s individual triathlon on Sunday, claiming the first gold medal of the Aichi-Nagoya Games.The 30-year-old produced a decisive final run to finish in 52 minutes and 56 seconds, edging China’s Zhang Xirui by nine seconds. Kazakhstan’s Arlan Zhanabay secured bronze, crossing the finish line 15 seconds behind Hojo.The victory marked a memorable moment for the host nation, with Hojo adding an individual gold to the mixed relay title he won at the Hangzhou Asian Games three years ago.

Hojo pulls away in the final run

The men’s individual triathlon featured a 750-metre swim, a 20-kilometre cycling leg and a 5km run.

Hojo was fourth out of the water in Mikawa Bay before moving into fifth position during the cycling section. He then made his move on the final run, battling closely with Zhang before pulling clear in the closing stretch.“I was really fired-up. Even the rain held off and I was in top form right up until I stood on the starting line," added Hojo, who also won the Asian Games test triathlon a year ago on the same course.

“(I knew) it would be tough, but (I thought) I would push myself and if it works, I think it will be a good race," said the 30-year-old Hojo, whose victory will qualify him for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Japan’s first gold gives team a boost

Hojo said winning the opening gold had lifted the Japanese contingent and provided momentum for the rest of the competition.“As it’s our first gold medal, it’s given the Japanese team a real boost,” he said, adding that he hoped to pass that momentum on to the women’s team and his teammates in the relay.Zhang finished second in 53:05, while Zhanabay took bronze in 53:11. Uzbekistan’s Aleksandr Kurishov, who was first out of the water, faded during the cycling and eventually finished 20th. Swimming competitions also began on Sunday at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre as the Asian Games moved into action across multiple sports.