Tenzin Choezom Won Gold at 2026 Asian Games
Tenzin Choezom secured the marathon race walk gold after the initial winner was disqualified for non-compliant footwear.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Running
Tenzin Choezom was awarded the gold medal in the women's marathon race walk at the 2026 Asian Games. The shift in standings followed the disqualification of Yasmina Toxanbayeva, who initially crossed the finish line in 3:22:20.
Why it matters
Regulations regarding professional competition footwear are designed to ensure fair play and equipment uniformity. Athletes must adhere to these technical standards to avoid disqualification from major competitive events.
Following an official review of photographic evidence and documentation, the marathon race walk results were adjusted to disqualify the original first-place finisher. The ruling confirmed that the footwear used in the 42.195-kilometre event did not meet World Athletics regulations.
The players
Tenzin Choezom
The marathon race walk athlete who was awarded the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games.
Yasmina Toxanbayeva
The athlete who crossed the finish line first but was disqualified due to non-compliant footwear.
Ma Li
The race walker who achieved the silver medal with a finish time of 3:32:26.
Umeno
The bronze medalist who completed the marathon race walk in 3:34:59.
The details
Race walking requires strict adherence to technical equipment standards, including specific design parameters for competition footwear. The committee review determined that the shoes worn by Toxanbayeva violated these established standards, leading to the enforcement of a disqualification after the race concluded.
Timeline
2024: Choezom won the half-marathon race walk in Lhasa.
May 2026: Choezom finished second at a national championship in Hefei.
September 30, 2026: Choezom was awarded the gold medal at Asian Games.
Health Landscape
Elite racing events operate under strict equipment standards to maintain competitive integrity and athlete safety. This outcome follows established protocols within the framework of World Athletics regulations to ensure all participants perform under equal conditions.
For competitive athletes, ensure all footwear and equipment are verified against official governing body standards before any sanctioned event. Checking specific gear requirements with your coach or local sports organization is a practical habit to avoid potential disqualification.
The takeaway
Maintaining compliance with official equipment standards is essential for professional racing outcomes. Athletes should confirm that their gear meets current technical requirements prior to competition to prevent unexpected disqualification.
Further reading
Explore more training and competition developments in the Running section.
