11 Years Old Japanese Schoolboy Wins Asian Games Gold Amid Empty Seats

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Nagoya: Yuki Kurihara, an 11 years old Japanese young boy, created history at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games by winning gold in the Puyo Puyo Champions esports competition. The fifth-grader defeated South Korea's Kang Dongshin 10-2 in the final to become one of the Asian Games' youngest gold medalists.

Kurihara, who started playing Puyo Puyo in kindergarten, became professional earlier this year after winning the Puyo Puyo Grand Prix Final in February. Despite his age and the strain of competing in a major international event, he remained composed throughout the tournament and voiced joy after winning the gold medal.

His success came amid doubts about turnout at the Games. Organisers confirmed that fewer than 60% of tickets had been sold for eight sports, including football and the closing ceremony. Large areas of the athletics stadium were also left empty for certain big events, reflecting the challenges organizers had in recruiting spectators.

Satoshi Murate, secretary-general of the Asian Games organizing committee, stated that officials were dissatisfied with ticket sales and acknowledged that some tickets supplied to sponsors and other stakeholders went unused. The committee has also been criticized for transport and accommodation concerns impacting athletes, with Murate apologizing and accepting responsibility.