During the women’s 70-kilogram quarterfinal at the Nagoya Asian Games on October 1, 2026, Chinese judoka Tang Jing bit the left arm of Japanese opponent Rin Maeda during a ground grapple, resulting in a direct disqualification defeat.
Nagoya Quarterfinal Ends in Disqualification After Bite
The 31-year-old Chinese veteran Tang Jing faced 21-year-old Japanese judo rising star Rin Maeda in the women’s 70-kilogram quarterfinal match at the Nagoya Asian Games. Early in the bout, Maeda established control in ground combat, working to transition the contest into her preferred ne-waza ground-fighting techniques. As Tang attempted to break free and maneuver the sequence toward the edge of the competition area, she bit down on Maeda’s left arm and maintained the hold for 20 seconds without releasing, local media reported.
Maeda Displays Bite Mark as Judges Review Footage
Following the sudden stoppage, Maeda immediately halted the contest, alerted the mat officials, and rolled up her sleeve to display a visible set of teeth marks on her left forearm. The tournament jury immediately reviewed the video replay footage alongside the accompanying Chinese coaching staff. The head referee subsequently issued a formal disqualification ruling, known in judo as Hansoku-make, against Tang. Upon hearing the decision, Tang briefly registered an expression of disbelief before shaking hands with her opponent and leaving the mat.
Tang Forfeits Medal Chance as Maeda Wins Championship
As reporters approached the mixed interview zone following the incident, Tang offered only a single, cold refusal of “No” before declining further comment. Tang did not take part in the repechage bracket, choosing to forfeit any opportunity to contend for a bronze medal. Maeda advanced through the remaining rounds to capture the tournament championship. Japanese women’s judo head coach Maki Tsukada stated in the mixed zone that after Maeda removed her athletic tape, a distinct bruise-like impression of teeth was visible, though it did not require medical disinfection.
Political Rhetoric Surrounding the Nagoya Games
The biting incident arrived amid heightened nationalistic framing surrounding the multi-sport event in Japan, where state-affiliated media outlets in China urged athletes to treat the competition as a battleground against Japanese opponents. Earlier in the calendar on September 18, state media outlets ran commentary urging the Chinese men’s basketball team to defeat Japan and wash away historical grievances. A depleted Japanese roster ultimately defeated China 97 to 77 in that basketball fixture, prompting domestic commentators to question whether inflammatory political framing placed unnecessary psychological pressure on traveling athletes.
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