Japan’s Yuki Kurihara has made history at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after winning the gold medal in the Puyo Puyo Champions esports event at just 11 years old. He defeated South Korea’s 24-year-old Kang Dongshin 10-2 in the final, becoming the youngest gold medallist in Asian Games history according to reports.

Kurihara Makes History at 11

Kurihara, a fifth-grade student, was the youngest competitor at the Aichi-Nagoya Games and the youngest athlete ever selected for Japan’s Asian Games delegation. He began playing Puyo Puyo in elementary school and quickly progressed through competitive tournaments.

He officially obtained his professional licence in April 2026, shortly before his 11th birthday. His rapid rise has made him one of the notable young players in Japan’s esports scene.

A Dominant Run to the Gold Medal

Kurihara defeated Thailand’s 28-year-old Tanarak Wongkitkun 10-1 in the semifinals to secure his place in the gold-medal match.

In the final, he initially fell 1-0 behind against South Korea’s Kang Dongshin. Kurihara then turned the match around and won 10-2, securing Japan’s gold medal in the Puyo Puyo Champions event.

Puyo Puyo Champions is a puzzle game where players clear coloured blobs by connecting matching pieces. Kurihara’s competition at the Asian Games included opponents considerably older than him.

Why Kurihara Said He Felt Embarrassed

Despite winning gold, Kurihara did not celebrate with a big reaction immediately after the final. He later explained that he felt embarrassed and therefore found it difficult to show much emotion.

During the medal ceremony, he bowed and gave a small wave to the crowd. He said he was happy with the gold medal, describing it as beautiful, shiny and heavy.

Balancing Esports With School

Kurihara has continued to balance competitive gaming with school and cram-school commitments. Before the Asian Games, he said that managing both was difficult but that playing Puyo Puyo was fun.

His journey began with playing Puyo Puyo at home before progressing into competitive events. He later rose through Japan's rankings and won the Puyo Puyo Grand Prix Final in February 2026, helping establish his place among the country's competitive players.