Disqualification at Nagoya Tournament
Chinese judoka Tang Jing was disqualified from the 70-kilogram category at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya after biting the left arm of Japanese opponent Rin Maeda during a ground grapple. Referee oversight and subsequent video review confirmed the infraction, resulting in a direct Hansoku-make penalty that ended Tang’s medal contention and advanced Maeda to the semifinals.
Matside Review and Hansoku-Make Verdict
According to tournament reports, Tang bit her opponent’s left arm while attempting to break free, maintaining the hold for approximately 20 seconds before releasing. Upon the referee’s stoppage, Maeda immediately lifted her arm to display the injury while her coach appealed to officials from the matside.
Judges reviewed television replay footage alongside team coaching staff before issuing the final ruling. The head referee penalized Tang with a Hansoku-make—a severe infraction resulting in immediate defeat—eliminating her from both the main bracket and the subsequent repechage rounds that otherwise offer defeated quarterfinalists a path to the bronze medal. Tang expressed visible surprise at the decision before shaking hands with Maeda and leaving the competition floor.
Medical staff confirm bruising on Maeda's arm
Japan judo head coach Maki Tsukada noted that tournament personnel and team staff were shocked by the incident. Medical staff removed athletic tape from Maeda’s left arm to reveal visible tooth marks and clear bruising underneath the adhesive. Despite the disruption, Maeda continued her tournament campaign, ultimately securing the gold medal in the 70kg division by defeating Kazakhstan’s Askarhat via Ippon in the final.
What penalty did Tang Jing receive?
What penalty did Tang Jing receive?
Tang received a Hansoku-make, which translates to a disqualification loss in judo competition. The penalty immediately ended her participation in the 2026 Asian Games tournament and stripped her of eligibility for the repechage bracket.
Who won the gold medal in the women’s 70kg category?
Japan’s Rin Maeda won the gold medal in the women’s 70kg division following the incident, defeating Kazakhstan’s Askarhat by Ippon in the championship match.
What evidence did officials review on the mat?
Officials reviewed video replay footage alongside team coaching staff and inspected visible dental impressions and bruising discovered underneath athletic tape on Maeda’s left arm.
