China’s Tang Jing disqualified after biting Rin Maeda at Asian Games

During the women’s judo tournament at the Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, gold medalist Rin Maeda defeated China’s Tang Jing in the quarterfinals following a controversial biting incident. As The Digest reported, Tang bit Maeda’s left upper arm during a ground-grappling exchange, maintaining the grip through the fabric of the judogi for more than 20 seconds until officials signaled a halt near the edge of the mat.

Quarterfinal Biting Incident Halts Match

The confrontation occurred early in the bout as Maeda attempted to transition into a ne-waza ground hold. Beneath the lock, Tang bit down on Maeda’s left upper arm, holding the hold until referees stopped the action. Following instructions from the Japanese corner, Maeda presented her left wrist and arm area to the head referee to demonstrate the infraction. International broadcast replays clearly displayed distinct dental impressions through the uniform. After a consultation at the judges’ table lasting several minutes, the officiating panel disqualified Tang.

Tang reacted to the disqualification with visible confusion, gesturing that her mouth had only accidentally made contact with her opponent’s arm, a defense echoed by her coaching staff. The judges refused to alter the ruling, and Tang left the tatami visibly frustrated. Social media users in Japan immediately circulated video footage of the incident, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for severe disciplinary action.

Chinese Media Defense Sparks Backlash

Chinese sports outlet Sohu reported on the bout as a controversial judging decision, stating that Tang had “accidentally” bitten Maeda’s left arm during a scramble, leaving a visible mark. That framing drew swift pushback from readers within China, who dismissed the explanation as an unacceptable excuse and called for immediate suspension.

Japanese women’s national team coach Maki Tsukada inspected the bite immediately after the match and confirmed the severity of the marks. Tsukada stated that the impression was deep enough to look as though it might draw blood, noting that the distinct teeth marks remained clearly visible on the athlete’s arm.

Maeda Secures Gold Despite the Controversy

Despite the physical disruption in her opening match, Maeda advanced through the tournament to capture the gold medal. Reflecting on the incident, Maeda admitted she was initially unsure how to handle an event so rare in competitive judo, but emphasized her determination to win. She noted that adrenaline dulled the pain once she stepped back onto the mat.

Neither Tang Jing nor the Chinese judo delegation has released an official statement regarding the disqualification or the ensuing controversy.