Japan’s Takumi Hojo makes history in front of home crowd, wins first gold at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

Gold medalist Takumi Hojo of Japan celebrates on the podium (Image: Reuters) Japan got off to the perfect start to their Asian Games domestic campaign as Takumi Hojo stormed to victory in the men’s individual triathlon on Sunday to claim the first gold medal of the Aichi-Nagoya Games.The 30-year-old produced a decisive final run to finish in 52 minutes 56 seconds, nine seconds ahead of China’s Zhang Xirui. Bronze was secured by Kazakhstan’s Arlan Zhanabay, who crossed the finish line 15 seconds behind Hojo.The win marked a memorable moment for the host nation as Hojo added individual gold to the mixed relay title he won at the Hangzhou Asian Games three years ago.

Hojo pulls away in the final run

In the men’s individual triathlon, there was a 750-meter swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride, and a 5-km run. Hojo was fourth out of the water at Mikawa Bay before moving up to fifth in the cycling section. He then made his move in the final run, battling closely with Zhang before pulling even in the final stretch.“I was really fired up. Even the rain stopped and I was in top form until I stood on the starting line,” added Hojo, who also won the Asian Games trials triathlon on the same course a year ago.“I knew it was going to be tough, but (I thought) I would push myself and if I could, I think it would be a good race,” said the 30-year-old Hojo, whose victory qualifies him for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Japan’s first gold gives the team a boost

Hojo said winning the opening gold lifted the Japanese contingent and added momentum for the rest of the competition.“With it being our first gold medal, it gave the Japanese team a real boost,” he said, adding that he hoped to pass that momentum on to the women’s team and his relay teammates.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 also got under way at the Tokyo Aquatics Center on Sunday as the Asian Games expanded into different sports.