"VAN" (Sports Desk - 22.09.2026) :: Japan’s Takumi Hojo opened the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in memorable fashion, winning the men’s individual triathlon to deliver the first gold medal of the Games for the host nation and secure Japan an early Olympic quota place for Los Angeles 2028. The 30-year-old completed the sprint-distance course at the Gamagori City Triathlon Venue in 52 minutes 56 seconds, covering a 750m swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run. China’s Zhang Xirui finished nine seconds behind to take silver, while Kazakhstan’s 20-year-old Arlan Zhanabay crossed the line another six seconds later for bronze. Cr-AIPS
On Tue, Sep 22, 2026