Kazakh karateka Zholaman Bigabyl became champion of the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. In the final of the under-55 kg weight category, he defeated Uzbekistan's Khumoyunmirzo Khalimov with a score of 9:1. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Road to the final
Bigabyl began his performance from the quarterfinals. At this stage, the Kazakh athlete confidently defeated Makhsatullo Muminov of Tajikistan with a score of 7:0. In the semifinal, Bigabyl faced Indonesia's Muhammad Zhanuar and won with a score of 6:1.
In the final, he overcame Uzbekistan's Khumoyunmirzo Khalimov with a score of 9:1. Thus, Zholaman Bigabyl became the champion of the 2026 Asian Games.
Kazakhstan's third gold
Bigabyl's victory brought Kazakhstan its third gold of the 2026 Asian Games. Earlier, cyclists Rinata Sultanova and Alexey Lutsenko became champions, winning individual time trial races.
About the Games
The XX Summer Asian Games in Japan officially opened yesterday, September 19. In the multi-sport competition featuring athletes from 45 countries, 460 sets of medals will be awarded. 217 among men, 204 among women, and 39 in mixed categories. Tournaments will be held in 68 disciplines across 41 sports. Kazakhstan's national team at the 2026 Asian Games will include 559 athletes.
Summary
Zholaman Bigabyl's victory became Kazakhstan's third gold at the 2026 Asian Games. The competition started on September 19, with athletes from 45 countries competing for 460 sets of medals.