Disqualification Erupts Over Biting Allegations in Nagoya
Chinese judoka Tan Jiang was disqualified during the women’s 70kg quarterfinal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
The Hold-Down and Video Review at the Referee Table
The confrontation unfolded as Maeda attempted a hold-down technique on the mat. To escape the hold, Tan Jiang bit down on her opponent’s left forearm, holding the bite for more than 20 seconds before referees intervened, according to Sports Hochi.
Immediately after the sequence broke, Maeda walked to the edge of the tatami and pulled back her sleeve to show the referee a distinct, bruised impression of teeth marks. Judges reviewed video footage at the referee table alongside the Chinese coaching staff before issuing the disqualification penalty.
Broadcast Reaction and Inspection by the Japanese Coaching Staff
Television broadcaster and Olympic medalist Miki Nakamura expressed shock during the live broadcast. She noted that a mark of that intensity required heavy pressure and would have caused severe pain.
Japan women’s judo team head coach Maki Tsukada inspected the arm after the match. She told reporters that removing the athletic tape revealed a fully formed, bruise-like impression that looked as though it might break the skin, adding that she had never witnessed such an incident in her career.
Mixed Zone Silence and Repechage Absence
Following the disqualification, Tan shook hands with Maeda before leaving the tatami. She refused interview requests in the mixed zone, answering “No” to reporters, and failed to appear for the repechage bracket where she still had an opportunity to compete for a bronze medal.
Her absence granted an automatic walkover to Inungambi Takhelmayum of India, allowing her to advance without a contest.
Maeda Wins Gold in Women's 70kg Division
Despite the physical altercation, Maeda continued through the tournament brackets. She defeated North Korea’s Mun Song Hui in the semifinal before overcoming Kazakhstan’s Azhar Ashhat in the final to claim the gold medal in the women’s 70kg division.
Tan, who previously earned a bronze medal at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games and a silver medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, exited the Nagoya tournament without further competition.
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