Asian Games: Chinese Judoka Disqualified After Biting Japanese Opponent, Loses Medal Chance

A bizarre incident at the Asian Games saw Chinese judoka Tang Jing disqualified from the women’s 70kg quarterfinal after allegedly biting her opponent during the bout.

Tang was competing against Japan’s Rin Maeda when video footage appeared to show her biting Maeda’s left arm. Officials reviewed the incident after Maeda raised her arm and showed it to the referee shortly after the two athletes were separated from a grip at the beginning of the match.

A clear bite mark could reportedly be seen just above Maeda’s wrist. Following a video review, Tang was disqualified for the incident, allowing Maeda to advance to the next round.

Maeda subsequently defeated Kazakhstan’s Azhar Askhat to win the gold medal in the event.

The 31-year-old Tang appeared to contest the disqualification decision but later shook hands with Maeda before leaving the competition venue.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Maeda said she was unsure what decision the officials would take after she reported the incident to the referee.

“Such incidents rarely happen. It was also a first experience for me. I did not know what would happen next. I reported the incident to the referee. It hurt a little, but once I got back on the mat, I did not really feel the pain,” Maeda said.