The 2024 Asian Orienteering Championships and Asian Youth and Junior Championships got off to a flying start on Sunday morning in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.
Almost 250 athletes from 10 different nations are competing in the championships, which are being held for the seventh time.
The first distance of the championships was a sprint at Royal Rajapruek Park – a fast terrain with many details to navigate in and many short, intense legs.
In the women’s race, Chu Ying Yau (HKG) became the supreme Asian champion with a lead of 43 seconds over Moe Matsumoto (JPN), who had compatriot Kaho Kondo eight seconds behind.
Yuichi Honjo secured Japan’s gold in the men’s class, winning with a time that was 21 seconds ahead of Hiroki Komaki (JPN). Jason Wong Tsz Chun (HKG) ran his way to bronze.
In the younger elite classes, there were golds for Japan in the W20, M20 and M18. Hong Kong China won in W18 and M16 and finally China won in the W16 class.
The championships continue on Monday with a middle distance before relays on Wednesday.
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The Young Leaders Academy 2024 Asia and Asian Coaching Clinic are held alongside the championships.
Read more about the clinic and academy here
Three sessions at YLA are open for free to Junior and Youth participants (first come, first served).
- 23rd December 2024: 16:00-17:30 – Middle-Distance Race Evaluation
- 24th December 2024: 10:00-12:00 – Secrets in Course Planning and Mapping
- 25th December 2024: 15:00-19:00 – Follow the Event Director from Map to Medal
Participants attending the Middle-Distance Race Evaluation session will have the chance to win a one-year premium Livelox subscription in a Christmas lucky draw.