Daijiworld Media Network – Gamagori

Gamagori, Sep 20: Japan’s Takumi Hojo scripted history on Sunday by becoming the first gold medallist of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, winning the men’s triathlon in Gamagori.

The 30-year-old Hangzhou Asian Games medallist completed the 750-metre swim, 20-km cycling and 5-km run in 52 minutes and 56 seconds to claim the gold medal.

China’s Zhang Xirui finished nine seconds behind Hojo to take silver, while Kazakhstan’s Arlan Zhanabay secured bronze after finishing another six seconds behind Zhang.

Hojo said winning Japan’s first gold medal had provided a major boost to the team. His victory also secured qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“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,” Hojo said.

Hojo had also won the Asian Games test triathlon held on the same course a year ago.

Zhang remained close to Hojo for much of the final 5-km run but was unable to overtake the Japanese athlete.

“I am very happy, although disappointed to be behind Japan. It’s an honour for China,” Zhang said.

For 20-year-old Zhanabay, the bronze medal marked his first Asian Games medal.

“I am very satisfied with the result. Of course, I would like to win, but we have what we have. I am very proud because I am only 20 and it is my first medal at the Asian Games,” he said.

In the early medal standings, Macao, China led with one gold and one silver, both won in wushu. Kazakhstan followed with one gold and one bronze, while Japan stood third with one gold.

Kazakhstan’s gold came through Rinata Sultanova in the women’s individual time trial in road cycling.