As expected, Heo Mi-mi achieves a historic first: Korea's first gold medal in judo... 'Uchi-waza ippon → 11-second waza-ari' with unmatched 'perfect skill' [Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games]

*This content was translated by AI.

Heo Mi-mi (24, Gyeongbuk Provincial Sports Council), the flagship of Korean women's judo, won her first individual gold medal in her career at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. This is the first gold medal for the Korean Yoo Do (CEO) team at this tournament.

Heo Mi-mi claimed the top spot by defeating Mongolia's Tervish Ariunjargal with a waza-ari victory in the final of the women's 57 kg class held on the 1st at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan.

After securing a waza-ari with a surprise attack just 11 seconds into the final, Heo Mi-mi continued an intense grappling battle. Although she received one shido (penalty) with about one minute remaining, she maintained her lead until the end by disrupting her opponent's balance with her signature o-goshi (hip throw), securing the victory.

The path to the gold medal was also dominant. After consecutively defeating a Filipino athlete in the round of 16 and a Chinese athlete in the quarterfinals, she advanced to the final by defeating Uzbekistan's Shukurjon Aminova with an uchi-waza ippon in the semifinal.

Heo Mi-mi, who had only competed in the mixed team event at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, immediately won the championship in her first individual appearance.

Meanwhile, Korean judo is gaining momentum with Heo Mi-mi's gold medal following Jang Se-yoon (KH Philux)'s silver medal in the women's 52 kg class the previous day. On the same day, Lee Jun-hwan (Pohang City Hall) and Kim Ji-soo (Gyeongbuk Provincial Sports Council) will compete in their respective bronze medal matches, aiming to secure additional medals.

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*This content was translated by AI.