Published: 11:46 PM, 23 September 2026
Asian Games: Jinnat wins an individual medal after 40 years
Four days into the 20th Asian Games, Bangladesh's campaign has swung between unexpected joy and bitter disappointment, with wushu fighter Jinnat Akter providing the biggest reason for celebration by securing at least a bronze medal. Jinnat Akter reached the semi-finals of the women's 52kg wushu event without even stepping onto the mat. After receiving a bye in the round of 16, she was due to face Indonesia's Tharisa Florentina in the quarter-finals, but her opponent was disqualified for failing to make the weight.
As wushu awards bronze medals to losing semi-finalists, Jinnat Akter is now guaranteed a place on the podium.
"Jinnat's opponent from Indonesia was overweight and consequently disqualified. That handed Jinnat safe passage into the semi-finals, securing a bronze medal for Bangladesh under tournament rules," Bangladesh Wushu Association General Secretary Dildar Hasan Dilu told reporters.
The medal ends a 40-year wait for an individual Asian Games medal for Bangladesh. Boxer Mosharraf Hossain was the country's previous individual medallist, winning bronze at the 1986 Seoul Games.
There was also a winning start in boxing, with Utsab Ahmed defeating Bhutan's Nigma Dorji 5-0 in the men's 55kg preliminary round. He will face a Mongolian opponent on September 26 for a place in the quarter-finals.
"Utsab boxed brilliantly, and the victory was well deserved. If he maintains this form, he can beat Mongolia too," said Boxing Federation General Secretary Aichi.
Bangladesh also opened their mixed doubles campaign in table tennis with a 3-1 victory over Laos. Mohtasin Ahmed Ridoy and Nowrin Sultana Mahi won 11-9, 9-11, 11-8, 11-2 and will face Thailand next.
The men's kabaddi team, however, suffered a shock 40-36 defeat to hosts Japan. Bangladesh trailed 22-15 at half-time before fighting back to within one point, but a failed review and crucial Japanese tackles halted their momentum. Their hopes of progressing now depend on the final results and points difference before their clash with India.
The women's kabaddi team also endured a heavy defeat, going down 54-19 to Iran. They face Japan on Wednesday.
>>R R Badhan, AA
