At the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, only a single case of a gold medal being replaced due to defects was previously reported. However, that was not the only medal showing abnormal marks. According to Inven’s investigation, white marks suspected to be discoloration or surface damage were also found on an esports gold medal received by the South Korean delegation.
China’s Xinhua News Agency reported on the 25th that an esports gold medalist noticed discoloration along the edge of their medal and requested a replacement from the organizing committee. After checking the athlete’s departure schedule and accommodation, the organizing committee dispatched staff to the lodging that same night to exchange it for a new medal. As of the 25th, the organizing committee stated that this was the sole case of a defective medal exchange.
Inven subsequently obtained photos of the medal received by a South Korean esports gold medalist. The photos show irregular white marks between the event emblem and the English title of the Games, clearly distinct from the surrounding gold surface.
An athlete who spoke with Inven said, “The one we received also had something on the back that looked like peeling white paint.” They added that all of their teammates who won gold medals alongside them had similar marks on their medals.
After informing the Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA) of the situation, the athlete was asked to send several photos to verify the medal’s condition. KeSPA stated, “We have inquired about the exchange procedure with the Asian Games Organizing Committee through the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC), and we are currently waiting for confirmation.”
The problem is that the organizing committee stated that only one medal had been replaced due to defects as of the 25th, and Japanese sports outlet Ronspo praised this as a testament to the manufacturing technology and medal quality of the Japan Mint. Ronspo spoke highly of the fact that there was only a single replacement case out of approximately 7,000 medals to be awarded at the Games, as well as the organizing committee’s swift response.
However, with Inven’s reporting confirming similar marks on the South Korean athlete’s gold medal, the assessment that there was “only one defective medal” can hardly escape criticism as being premature. The single case cited by the organizing committee was merely an instance where an athlete directly raised the issue and completed an exchange, not the result of a comprehensive inspection of all awarded medals.
The exact cause of the white marks on the South Korean medal has not yet been confirmed. A formal determination of defects by the organizing committee has also not been issued. However, as additional abnormal marks have been discovered on a medal that passed double inspection by both the manufacturer and the organizing committee, there is a clear need for an overall review of all awarded medals beyond individual replacements.
Since its opening, the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games has sparked several controversies due to poor event management regarding meals, accommodation, and athlete transportation. With marks similar to the single reported medal defect now confirmed on a South Korean athlete’s gold medal, it will be difficult for organizers to avoid criticism concerning the overall preparation and management of the Games.
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