“Unprecedented rule violation → gold medal revoked,” yet at the arrival scene, she was showered with cheers and treated like a hero. Why? “No matter what anyone says, you are the champion” [Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games]

*This content was translated by AI.

Yasmina Toksanbayeva (Kazakhstan), who had her Asian Games gold medal stripped overnight due to a shoe regulation violation, returned home to a warm welcome from fans in her homeland and vowed to rise again. Although the official record was erased, Kazakhstan’s athletics community and fans honored her as a true champion, showering her with cheers.

The Kazakhstan Athletics Federation revealed on its official channel on the 2nd (Korean time) the scene of Toksanbayeva’s homecoming welcome at Almaty International Airport. The federation stated, “Our national track and field team athletes who fought for the honor of our country at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are returning to their homeland,” adding, “We welcomed Toksanbayeva, who competed in the marathon race walk, at Almaty Airport.”

It continued, “Toksanbayeva completed the 42.195 km course in 3 hours, 22 minutes and 20 seconds, crossing the finish line first and proving her strong perseverance and determination,” adding, “Do not be discouraged by what is happening now. You are an eternal champion. The federation will fully support you to the end,” expressing unwavering trust.

Previously, Toksanbayeva stated through her personal social media (SNS), “The 3 hours, 22 minutes and 20 seconds were a time of infinite happiness, passion, pride, and gratitude. I will never show weakness,” emphasizing, “I am not a victim but a winner. Kazakhstan is with me, and you all and the global sports community are with me.” She added, “I will devote myself to training with greater passion and dedication. We are one.”

In the women’s marathon race walk at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games athletics event held on a course around Nagoya City Hall in Japan on the 27th of last month, Toksanbayeva recorded a time of 3 hours, 22 minutes and 20 seconds, overtaking two strong competitors from China, an absolute powerhouse in this discipline, to finish first and shed tears of emotion. Sachiko Umeno of Japan, who had finished fourth, swallowed her disappointment, saying, “I had no strength left in my legs at the end. I am frustrated.”

However, the glory did not last more than a day. A review was conducted immediately after the race, and on the 28th, local media such as the Japanese outlet “The Answer” reported that it was confirmed that the sole thickness of the shoes worn by Toksanbayeva violated regulations, resulting in disqualification and the revocation of her gold medal. As a result, the rankings from second place downward were each promoted one spot, with Umeno, who had been fourth, receiving the bronze medal, and Maika Yairai rising to fourth place.

In response, Toksanbayeva stated immediately after the unprecedented stripping incident, “Everything will be resolved according to God’s will. Your support keeps me going through difficult moments.”

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*This content was translated by AI.