Rising Stars and Tight Battles Define Day 2 in Ordos

Written by Nicolas Messner on 17. Apr 2026

Photographs by Gabriela Sabau, Tamara Kulumbegashvili

The Asian Championships in Ordos continued to deliver high-level judo and emerging talent, with a thrilling mix of rising stars and experienced contenders shaping the day’s results. Across both men’s and women’s categories, the competition highlighted not only technical excellence but also the growing depth of judo across the continent.

Muhiddin Asadulloev (TJK) in action.

In the -73 kg category, the title went to Muhiddin Asadulloev of Tajikistan, the 2025 junior world champion. At just 20 years old, Asadulloev is already making a significant mark on the international scene, having claimed his first grand slam victory last year on home soil in Dushanbe. In Ordos, he confirmed his status by defeating the experienced Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov (UAE), winner of the Paris Grand Slam 2026, in the final. Bronze medals were awarded to Kazbek Naguchev (UAE) and Eunkyul Lee (KOR).

Adilet Almat (KAZ).

At -81 kg, Adilet Almat of Kazakhstan secured gold after overcoming Somon Makhmadbekov (TJK) in the final. This result underlines the strong form of the Tajik team, which will soon welcome the return of the World Judo Tour to Dushanbe. Kazakhstan celebrated further success with Abylaikhan Zhubanazar claiming bronze, alongside Askerbii Gerbekov (BRN).

Hyon A Kim (PRK).

Three women’s categories were contested, each delivering intense and closely fought contests. At -57 kg, Hyon A Kim (PRK) emerged victorious against Mongolia’s Ariunzaya Terbish, scoring a decisive yuko in golden score. Mina Komiyama (JPN) and Nan Wang (CHN) completed the podium.

Song Hui Min (PRK).

Another North Korean athlete, Song Hui Min, triumphed in the -70 kg category, also winning by a yuko in golden score, against Shirinjon Yuldoshova (UZB). Uzbekistan celebrated a second medal via Khurshida Razzokberdieva, while India earned its first medal of the championships thanks to Inunganbi Takhellambam, a remarkable achievement for the 27-year-old competing at her first continental meet.

Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo (MGL) in action.

In the -63 kg category, Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo (MGL) dominated the field. In the final, she secured victory with an ippon in golden score against Ji Hye Kim (PRK). The bronze medals went to Jisu Kim (KOR) and Esmigul Kuyulova (KAZ).

With one final day of individual competition remaining, the Asian Championships continue to reveal the nations setting the pace in continental judo. As the World Judo Tour prepares to return to Asia, the performances in Ordos offer a clear indication that the next generation is ready and the level has never been higher.