Saudi fighter Abdullah Nada claimed the men's under-85 kg jiu-jitsu gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, adding a landmark title to the Kingdom's growing campaign at the event.
Nada produced a commanding performance in the final, defeating Kazakhstan's Merey Kabdullayev 7–0 to secure top spot on the podium without conceding a single point.
The victory lifted Saudi Arabia's overall medal tally at the Games to 14, comprising 3 gold, 2 silver, and 9 bronze. The result reflects steady progress across several disciplines as Saudi athletes continue to compete at the continent's premier multi-sport event.
Why it matters
Jiu-jitsu has grown in popularity across the Kingdom in recent years, with more clubs, academies, and young competitors taking up the sport. A gold medal on the Asian stage offers a strong boost for the discipline and an encouraging example for aspiring athletes nationwide.
For the wider community in Riyadh, Jeddah, and beyond, results like these add to a busy period of Saudi sporting achievement and reinforce the country's rising profile in regional and international competition.
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