Japan delivers the youngest Asian Champions

With Genki Koga and Kosuke Mashiyama, both 20, Japan delivered the youngest Asian champions at the Asian Pacific Championships last weekend. In total the young Japanese team collected four gold medals, just enough for the victory in the medal table.

Koga won his category U60kg against Yang Yung-Wei of Taipeh in quite a strong field that included Kyrgyzbayev (bronze), Lee Harim (fifth), Lutfillaev (fifth), so the prodigy from Japan was able to stand his man in Fujeirah (UAE) where the championship was held. The Japanese team consisted of many talents that won medals at the previous two World Junior Championships in Zagreb and Nassau.

Kosuke Mashiyama was the winner U90kg. Mashiyama defeated the experienced Komronshokh Ustopiriyon (TJK) in the final. Mashiyama defeated former World Champion Gwak (KOR) in the quarter final after he overcame former Paris winner Yakhyo Imamov in the first round. In the semi final Elias Nacif (LBN) was the third victim.

Shiho Tanaka captured the gold medal for women U70kg after a victory against Gulnoza Matniyazova (UZB). One category higher U78kg it was Mao Izumi who took the gold after she defeated Zhenzhao Ma from China in the final.

Furthermore Japan collected a silver medal and four bronze medals in the first Asian Pacific Championships where Australia was the best nation from Oceania with three bronze medals. Mongolia won three gold medals and was the second best nation in the UAE.