{
  "id": 9715125,
  "title": "Asian Games 2026: Japan Men’s Table Tennis Team Topple Titan China to Claim 1st Gold in 60 Years",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/asian-games-2026-japan-mens-table-tennis-team-topple-titan-china-to",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T06:09:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun",
    "slug": "the-japan-news-by-the-yomiuri-shimbun",
    "url": "https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/other-sports/20260925-350588/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NAGOYA — In a momentous achievement, Japan's men's table tennis team finally claimed their first gold medal in 60 years at the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, defeating China in a thrilling 3-2 final victory. The Japanese men shattered China's long-standing dominance, overcoming a history of frustration. Team captain Tomokazu Harimoto, remaining composed amidst the excitement, stated, \"I'm delighted, but it comes as no surprise,\" acknowledging the team's strong foundation. With Japan trailing 2-1 after the third match, Harimoto and his dual ace Sora Matsushima stepped up. Harimoto faced China's top-ranked singles player, Wang Chuqin, in the fourth match. Executing powerful service returns and third-ball attacks, Harimoto secured a decisive win in straight games. With the score tied at 2-2, Matsushima seized the opportunity, displaying his trademark powerful forehand against China's Wen Ruibo in the final, fifth match. Upon clinching the decisive point, he celebrated triumphantly. Japan's recent 3-0 loss to China in the world team table tennis championships in spring highlighted the urgency of the challenge. However, Harimoto expressed confidence, stating, \"We are a stronger team than before, and we have a very good chance of winning the title.\" Matsushima and Harimoto, ranked No. 3 and No. 4 in the world respectively, have pushed each other to new heights. The victory marks a significant shift in global power dynamics, as Japan is the only country with two players in the top five.",
  "summary": "NAGOYA — Japan ended a six-decade wait for gold in the men’s table tennis team event by pulling off a thrilling 3-2 victory over China in the final at the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 on Thursday.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "China stay top at Asian Games, Malaysia eye sepak takraw gold",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/china-stay-top-at-asian-games-malaysia-eye-sepak-takraw-gold",
        "published": "2026-09-25T04:47:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Press Journal",
        "title": "Asian Games 2026: India Women's Hockey Team Beat Hosts Japan 3-1 As Lalremsiami, Ishika And Navneet Kaur Score To Seal Semifinal Spot",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/asian-games-2026-india-womens-hockey-team-beat-hosts-japan-3-1-as",
        "published": "2026-09-25T06:44:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}