Ma Zhenzhao (left) of China competes against Rika Takayama of Japan during the women's 78kg judo final at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang province, on Sept 26, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

HANGZHOU - China's judoka Ma Zhenzhao won the Asian Games women's 78kg category crown as individual events of Asiad judo competition concluded here on Tuesday.

25-year-old Ma, who secured a bronze at the Jakarta Asian Games five years ago, said that overcoming her Japanese opponent Rika Takayama was a hard-fought victory.

"Grabbing the gold medal depends on my willpower and encouragement of all audiences at the gymnasium," said Ma, adding that she would try her best to prepare for next year's Paris Olympic Games.

Greeted by a huge roar from the home fans, Ma secured an ippon in the third minute of golden score to seal the title. 

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Ma Zhenzhao (left) of China celebrates after the women's 78kg judo final against Rika Takayama of Japan at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang province, on Sept 26, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Xu Shiyan added a silver medal for the host nation when she was defeated by Kim Ha-yun from South Korea in the women's +78kg category. 

Erlan Sherov from Kyrgyzstan claimed the men's 90kg title, while Uzbekistan's Muzaffarbek Turoboyev triumphed in the men's 100kg category.

Magomedomar Magomedomarov of the United Arab Emirates scored an ippon in the dying seconds to beat Tajikistan's Temur Rakhimov in the men's over-100kg final.

Japan won four out of 14 golds on offer in the individual events, while Uzbekistan secured three golds. Chinese Taipei collected two golds, and China, South Korea, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and the United Arab Emirates secured one gold each.

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The mixed team contest is set to kick off on Wednesday.