Al-Youha bows out of Asian Games as 11-year-old Japanese wins esports gold

Yaqoub Al-Youha clears a hurdle during the 110m hurdles qualifying round at the Asian Games

NAGOYA, Japan, Sept. 26 (Agencies): Kuwait athletics star Yaqoub Al-Youha ended his Asian Games campaign after failing to qualify for the 110m hurdles final at the Aichi-Nagoya Games in Japan.

Al-Youha clocked 13.88 seconds, missing out on the time required to advance to the final.

Kuwait athlete Ibrahim Al-Dhafiri will compete in the 800m heats today, aiming to secure a place in the final and challenge for a top finish.

Kuwait also exited the team sabre event after losing 45-35 to host Japan in the round of 16.

In shooting, Talal Al-Rashidi, Abdulrahman Al-Feihan and Khaled Al-Mudhaf begin their campaign today in the individual and team trap events. The experienced trio will be looking to deliver strong performances and challenge for podium places.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s national karate delegation returned home after competing at the Asian Games, with sports officials and federation representatives welcoming the athletes.

Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Youth and Sports Bashar Abdullah Al-Salem received the delegation alongside Kuwait Karate Federation President Ahmed Mohammed bin Yousuf and Secretary-General Abdulaziz Sultan Al-Thaidi.

Kuwait’s karate team secured team kata gold through Sayed Mohammed Al-Mousawi, Sayed Salman Al-Mousawi, and Mohammed Ahmed Badr. Sayed Mohammed Al-Mousawi also claimed bronze in the individual kata.

Eel is his favorite training food; he's only 11 years old, and he found his niche in his sport when he was in kindergarten. His thing is esports. Meet Yuki Kurihara, the Japanese elementary school student who defeated Kang Dongshin of South Korea 10-2 on Saturday in the final of the Puyo Puyo Champions puzzle game at the Asian Games.

He said he also liked the little mascot doll he was given for winning. "The plush toy is super cute, and it’s cool that it is gold-colored too.” Kang, the loser in the final, praised Kurihara, "It’s obvious that my opponent was skilled and above my level,” Kang said. "His technical ability and accuracy are incredible.” Kurihara is believed to be the youngest-ever gold medalist in the Asian Games, which began in 1951 in New Delhi, India. He’s certainly the youngest in the history of the Asian Games. Japanese media has reported that he trains eight hours daily and still keeps up his grades in school. Esports was held in the Asian Games for the first time three years ago in Hangzhou, China. It was so popular that tickets were sold by lottery. It's also an audience favorite in Japan.

Youth are being served at the Asian Games. Kamus Wong is a 12-year-old competing for Hong Kong in skateboarding, and 13-year-old Yu Zidi of China won three gold medals in swimming. A relative senior citizen, 17-year-old Japanese swimmer Shin Ohashi set a world record on Thursday in the 200-meter breaststroke.