(L-R) Kei Okubo, Kazuki Takizawa, chef d'Equipe Yoshihiro Nakano, Tomoki Koshidaka and Taizo Sugitani of Japan celebrate winning jumping team gold at the Thai Polo Club on December 5, 2025 in Pattaya, Thailand. ©FEI/Yong Teck Lim

Taizo Sugitani delivered a masterclass in championship Jumping and composure under pressure in Pattaya, producing his third clear round of the FEI Jumping Asian Championship to secure a sensational Team Gold for Japan. As the final athlete into the arena, Sugitani with his long-term partner Quincy 194 held his nerve to anchor the quartet of Tomoki Koshidaka (Cortis de Nyze Z), Kei Okubo (Quick Casall) and Kazuki Takizawa (Crn Digger) after a tightly fought contest over three demanding rounds.

Kuwait claimed a historic Team Silver following strong performances from Yara Al Hunaidi (Valmira), Annaz Al Annaz (Carlsson 69), Fawaz Rashed (Gaia des Forets) and team anchor Ali Al Khorafi (I), while the defending champions from the 2019 edition—Hong Kong, China—demonstrated their trademark consistency to take the Bronze medal courtesy of strong performances from Patrick Lam (Karl Lagerfield 4), Sheikara Whyte (Hastuce des Courts), Clarissa Lyra (Carl Otto 5) and Jacqueline Lai (Wonderful Heart SH).

Athletes competed in a single-round 1.40m Table C competition on Wednesday, which functioned as both the First Team Competition and the First Individual Qualifier. Following the results of this single round speed class, faults were converted into penalties according to finishing position, with the leader carrying zero penalties forward. These penalties remain with athletes throughout the championship, giving the opening day significant influence over both team and individual outcomes. Japan exerted their dominance from the outset, with strong performances from Sugitani (Quincy 194) and Takizawa (Crn Digger) earning them first and third places individually and giving Japan an early lead.

Thursday’s opening round of the Team Final, which also served as the second Individual Qualifier, marked the beginning of a demanding two-day contest that concluded today with Round Two. Course designer Olaf Peterson Jr. (GER) produced a pair of technical but fair tracks featuring forward-flowing lines, delicate materials and thought-provoking distances that left little room for error. The courses required scope and care from horses and accuracy, precision and composure under pressure from athletes.

Clear rounds proved scarce - particularly in Thursday’s opener, where humid conditions added an extra layer of difficulty. Time faults accumulated quickly for combinations that hesitated in the forward lines, and even the most experienced partnerships were tested by a delicate plank late in the course.

From the moment the first Japanese athlete entered the arena today, the team unity and commitment were evident. Kei Okubo aboard Quick Casall delivered a crucial clear round with just one time fault, setting the tone for Japan following an uncharacteristic elimination for Tomoki Koshidaka (Cotis de Nyze Z) who had provided the team with a strong counting-score on Wednesday. This meant every remaining athlete score for Japan must count.

“We trust each other,” Okubo explained. “That’s the strength of this team.”

Kazuki Takizawa, in his first senior Championship Team Final, showed maturity beyond his experience. His measured clear round with Crn Digger today, matching their flawless round from Thursday, kept Japan firmly in front. 

"To contribute to this medal is an amazing feeling. The horses gave everything.”  

Kazuki Takizawa

(JPN)

The defining moment came from anchor athlete and reigning 2019 FEI Jumping Asian Championships Individual Champion Taizo Sugitani. Entering the arena knowing a clear would seal Gold, he delivered under pressure.

“I knew exactly what was needed,” he said. “My horse felt incredible, and once we jumped the first line, I felt we were in the rhythm we needed.”

His clear round secured Japan’s first-ever Championship Jumping Team Gold-an achievement long targeted by the nation and spearheaded by their seven-time Olympian and reigning FEI Jumping Asian Championship Individual Champion.

“We had a very good start from day one and my biggest goal was to win a gold medal as a team,” Sugitani said with a proud smile. “I think today was a true definition of teamwork. We helped each other and got to the top of the podium.” He beamed with a well- earnt sense of accomplishment. 

Kuwait’s Silver medal marks another major milestone for the nation’s up-and- coming jumping programme. They delivered three days of determined, consistent performances, staying tied with Japan through the early stages before settling confidently into the Silver Medal position.

Yara Al Hunaidi impressed with her positive, forward riding and consistency over the three days of team competition:

“We’ve grown so much as a team,” she said. “To stand on the podium together is something we’ll remember forever.”

The team was strengthened by the experience of anchor athlete Ali Al Khorafi (I), former Continental Jumping Individual Gold Medallist at the 2018 Asian Games. His two clear rounds in the final rotation secured the silver medal for Kuwait.

“Everyone stepped up today,” he said. “We’ve worked for years to reach this level, and this result shows the future is bright for Kuwait.”The 2019 defending champions Hong Kong, China once again delivered consistency across all three days. While they could not replicate their gold-medal performance from the last edition, their reliability earned them the bronze medal on this occasion. Chef d’équipe Corinne Bracken praised the discipline of her quartet:

“This was a strong field, and medals were hard-earned,” she said. “Our riders showed real grit and professionalism.”

With team honours decided, focus now shifts to Sunday’s Individual Final, where many of today’s standout performers- including Sugitani, Takizawa and Al Khorafi- will battle for individual glory. If the intensity of the Team Final is any indication, the closing chapter of the championship promises to be gripping from start to finish.

FULL RESULTS