Sport
11-Year-Old Japanese Athlete Makes Asian Games History
Yuki Kurihara, an 11-year-old student, has become the youngest gold medalist in Asian Games history after winning the Puyo Puyo Champions esports event.
On September 26, 2026, 11-year-old Japanese student Yuki Kurihara achieved a historic milestone by becoming the youngest gold medalist in the history of the Asian Games. Competing in the Puyo Puyo Champions esports category, Kurihara secured the top spot by defeating 24-year-old South Korean athlete Kang Dong-shin with a score of 10-2 in the final round.
Earlier that day, Kurihara faced Thai competitor Thanarak Wongkitikun in the semifinals, winning 10-1. As a result of this match, Thanarak earned a bronze medal for Thailand. While official records regarding the youngest medalists in Asian Games history are not fully centralized, historical data suggests that the previous notable record was held by Indonesia’s Bunga Nyimas, who won a bronze medal in women’s skateboarding at the 2018 Games at the age of 12.
For residents and visitors interested in the regional esports scene, this event highlights the rapidly evolving landscape of competitive gaming in Asia. The victory of such a young athlete underscores the growing accessibility and professionalization of esports across the continent. While this performance is widely recognized as a record-breaking achievement, observers note that official historical verification of the 'youngest medalist' title remains subject to further confirmation by sporting authorities.
