Jinnat ensures first individual Asian Games medal for Bangladesh in 40 years

Bangladesh are assured of at least a medal in wushu at the Asian Games after Jinnat Akter advanced to the semifinals of the women's 52kg weight category.

Jinnat received a bye in the first round before being drawn against Indonesia's Tisara Dya Florentina in the second round. However, the Indonesian competitor was disqualified for being overweight, handing Jinnat victory and a place in the semifinals.

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This will be Bangladesh’s first individual medal from the Asian Games since boxer Mosharraf Hossain won a bronze medal in men’s light heavyweight boxing in the 1986 Soul Asian Games.

Wushu Federation general secretary Dildar Hossain Dilu confirmed the development, saying Jinnat's semifinal berth guaranteed Bangladesh at least one medal.

Jinnat will face a Chinese competitor in the semifinals on Wednesday, September 23.

"Jinnat will enter the gold-medal contest if she wins the semifinal. Even if she loses the semifinal, Bangladesh are guaranteed a bronze medal in this event," Dildar Hossain Dilu said.