Korea's judo team defeated China to advance to the semifinals of the mixed team event at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
On October 3, at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Korea triumphed over China with a score of 4-1 in the quarterfinals of the mixed team competition. After securing one gold medal in the individual events, Korea is now vying for a second gold in this final judo event of the tournament.
Kim Min-jong (Yangpyeong County) set the tone as the first competitor. In the men's +90kg category, he faced China's Li Haiyang and secured a victory with a valid point, giving Korea its first win.
Next up was Heo Mi-mi (Gyeongbuk Sports Council), the gold medalist in the women's 57kg category. Competing in the -57kg division against Tao Yuying, Heo won by penalty after a match that extended into golden score, where she drew three penalties from her opponent.
Korea added another victory in the third match. An Jae-hong (Namyangju City) competed in the men's -73kg category and won by penalty after a match that went into extra time, earning three penalties against his opponent, Lin Gaohui. With three consecutive wins, Korea led 3-0.
China managed to secure one win. In the women's -70kg category, Kim Hye-mi (Gwangju Transportation Corporation) faced Tang Jing but could not decide the match within regular time and lost in golden score.
The outcome was determined in the fifth match. Kim Jong-hoon (Yangpyeong County) competed in the men's -90kg category against China's Han Chi, first scoring a half point before finishing with a full point. Korea confirmed its advancement to the semifinals with a final score of 4-1.
In the individual events of this tournament, Korea has won one gold, three silver, and four bronze medals. Heo Mi-mi secured the only gold medal, while Jang Se-yoon, Kim Min-joo, and Lee Hyun-ji added silver medals. Lee Jun-hwan, Kim Jong-hoon, Han Joo-yeop, and Kim Min-jong earned bronze medals.
Initially aiming for four gold medals in the individual events, Korea continues its quest for gold in the mixed team event. This event was officially adopted for the first time at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games, where Korea won a bronze medal. However, they failed to reach the medal rounds at the 2022 Hangzhou Games.
If Korea wins the mixed team event at this tournament, it will secure its first gold medal in this category at the Asian Games. Korea will compete against the winner of the quarterfinal match between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in the semifinals.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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