Nepal’s poor campaign in 20th Asiad continues

BY OUR CORRESPONDENT, Nagoya, Oct. 2: Nepal’s poor campaign at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan continued on Thursday, with early exits across judo, taekwondo, and wrestling, though golfer Subash Tamang provided a bright spot by making the cut.

Judoka Punam Shrestha endured a first-round exit in the women’s 70 kg category at the Aichi International Arena, losing 1–0 by ippon to India’s Inunganbi Takhellambam. Competing in her third Asian Games, Shrestha made an aggressive start following her comeback from a serious injury, but her opponent capitalised on a mistimed move to wrap up the bout in one minute and 54 seconds.

"We knew that in judo, the result can change in just one or two seconds. Not only that, but sometimes one's own technique can also backfire, and that is what happened today," said coach Sunita Magar Tamrakar. A dejected Shrestha expressed disappointment at being unable to finish the full duration despite rigorous training. Shrestha joined Nisha Shrestha, Debaki Maya Shrestha, Vishesh BK, and Bikash BK, all of whom were eliminated in the first round on the opening day of judo events.