Mori Ai completed a perfect double, while Suzuki Neo claimed gold on debut at the World Climbing Asia Championship
The World Climbing Asia Championship Meishan 2026 came to an end on Sunday, 12 April, crowning the continent’s Lead champions and building momentum ahead of the international season, set to kick off in Keqiao, China on 1 May.
MORI DOMINATES WOMEN'S LEAD
Mori Ai of Japan delivered a commanding performance in the women’s Lead final at the World Climbing Asia Championship in Meishan, China, securing gold and completing a remarkable double after her victory in Boulder.
The Japanese climber topped all four routes across the competition – two in qualification, one in semi-final, and one in the final – confirming her status as one of the most consistent athletes on the circuit.
Already a world champion after her triumph at the IFSC Climbing World Championships Bern 2023, Mori showed the same form that earned her a place at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, where she finished fourth. In Meishan, she elevated her level even further, adding another continental title to her growing list of achievements.
Seo Chaehyun of South Korea claimed the silver medal, marking her third podium finish at the Asian Championship. The Korean climber, who previously won gold in 2019 and 2022, finished with 41+. Oda Natsumi of Japan took bronze with 34+, matching her result from the previous edition held in Tai’an, China, in 2024.
For the women’s Lead final complete results click here.
JAPAN SWEEPS MEN'S PODIUM
Japan dominated the men’s Lead final, securing all three podium positions in a closely contested round where no athlete managed to top the route. Suzuki Neo led the field with a score of 41+, claiming gold in his first-ever appearance at a Continental Championship and marking a memorable debut at this level.
Paris 2024 silver medallist Anraku Sorato followed in second place with 40+, improving on his fourth-place finish at Tai’an 2024, while reigning men’s Lead champion Omata Shion secured bronze with a score of 39, relinquishing his title to Suzuki.
For the men’s Lead final complete results click here.
MEDAL TABLE
The final medal table of the World Climbing Asia Championship Meishan 2026 is as follows:
| NATION | GOLD | SILVER | BRONZE | TOTAL |
| Japan | 3 | 3 | 4 | 10 |
| China | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| South Korea | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Indonesia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 6 | 6 | 6 | 18 |
NEXT UP
Climbing competition in Asia will continue soon with the Asian Beach Games, scheduled to start on Wednesday, 22 April and closing on Thursday, 30 April. Climbing events are scheduled to take place on Sunday 26 and Monday 27.
News updates about Climbing events will be available on the World Climbing website, and on the organisation's digital channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
