Tianjin judoka Han Qi secured a bronze medal in the men’s 90kg category at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, marking a historic breakthrough for the Tianjin men’s judo team in international competition, according to regional reporting.
Han Qi Secures Historic Bronze in Men’s 90kg Category
Returning to Tianjin after the tournament, Han reflected on his Asian Games campaign and stated that the podium finish serves as an entirely new starting point. In the bronze medal match, Han defeated Uzbekistan’s Murtozoyev to claim a place on the podium. Recounting the bout, Han explained that he focused strictly on executing the process outlined by coach Zhao Zhishan rather than overthinking specific techniques or counter-controls. He noted his determination to leave no regrets and to commit his training to the contest regardless of the outcome.
Han's medal is the first for domestic men's judo in Asia's contested 90kg weight class. The result demonstrates that Tianjin judo is expanding beyond its traditional dominance in women’s heavyweight divisions, establishing a dual-track growth pattern where both men’s and women’s programs are rising together.
Coaching Staff and Team Dynamics Drive Breakthrough Performance
Crediting his success to the collective, Han emphasized that the bronze medal belongs equally to the coaching staff and the broader team. His preparation relied heavily on the guidance of coaches Wu Weifeng and Zhao Zhishan. Han noted that Zhao tailored his throwing techniques and tactical strategy, while Wu helped manage his pre-match nervous tension.
The team environment decided the outcome of the mixed team event. China fielded a squad of three men and three women, with four athletes hailing from the Tianjin judo team: Tao Yuying, Han Qi, Tang Jing, and Niu Xinran. During the bronze medal match against Mongolia, which China won 4-2, Han, Niu, and Tao all won their respective bouts to secure three decisive points. Han described the team competition as an intensely bonding experience, noting that the shared pressure and collective victory generated a sense of honor far surpassing the individual event.
Shifting Focus From the Asian Games to the Olympic Stage
While the Tianjin women’s judo team has historically captured numerous titles at elite events such as the Asian Games and the Olympic Games, the men’s squad has historically seen fewer opportunities to shine on the international stage. Acknowledging both the pride and pressure of breaking new ground, Han expressed hope that his result is merely the first step toward greater depth and talent emergence within the program.
Looking past the continental tournament, Han characterized his Asian Games bronze as a mid-term examination rather a final destination. With his sights set firmly on the Olympic Games, the Tianjin athlete maintains his primary objective: testing himself on the largest global stage.
Related reading
