Following the conclusion of the Asian Games, reports have emerged regarding the durability of the medals awarded to athletes and complaints concerning incidents of on-field conduct and administrative management. Chinese karate athlete Li Qiaoqiao reported that her gold medal began showing signs of surface wear shortly after the medal ceremony, a concern that has since been echoed by other participants regarding their own awards.
According to reports, the medal issues were identified by athletes shortly after receiving them. Li, who finished her competition with a perfect record, noted that the gold-plated surface of her medal appeared worn immediately after she stepped off the podium. Upon returning home, she observed that the coating continued to degrade with handling, leading her to apply a protective film to the surface to prevent further damage. Li and her teammates indicated that the wear was not limited to a single medal, suggesting potential issues with the manufacturing or finishing process of the items.
Specifications of the Award Medals
The medals produced for the event were manufactured with a specific composition that has drawn scrutiny from athletes and observers. Each gold medal featured a diameter of 80 millimeters and a thickness of 5 millimeters, with a total weight of approximately 265 grams. The base material consisted of pure silver, finished with a gold plating of approximately 1 gram. By comparison, the medals from the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games utilized approximately 6 grams of gold plating on a slightly smaller 73-millimeter frame. The thinner gold layer, combined with a matte finish, has been cited as a factor in the medals’ perceived lack of durability.
While some athletes, including a South Korean skateboarding champion and an esports competitor, reported scratches and color inconsistencies to the organizing committee and were provided with replacements, the broader issue of the medals’ long-term integrity remains a point of contention for those whose awards have already begun to degrade.
Organizers Face Criticism over Rising Sun Flag Displays
On October 3, during the judo mixed team final between Japan and Kazakhstan, spectators were observed displaying the flag. Despite reports that individuals raised concerns with organizers at the venue, no official action or intervention was taken. This led to public comparisons with other international sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and various Asian Football Confederation matches, where security protocols have historically restricted the display of the symbol.
Officiating and On-Field Incidents
Competition standards were also questioned following specific matches involving physical contact and disputed referee decisions. During a men’s team squash match on September 28 between Hong Kong and Japan, a collision occurred between Liang Zixuan and his opponent, Kosei Endo. The incident, which resulted in the Hong Kong player being knocked to the floor, was ruled a “let” by officials, allowing for a replay of the point without a penalty. Video footage of the incident drew criticism from spectators, though neither the Asian Games officials nor the World Squash Federation issued further sanctions.
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