The birthplace of kurash, Uzbekistan claimed three gold medals in the ancient sport on Saturday at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

HANGZHOU, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- It was little surprise that Uzbekistan, where the ancient martial art of kurash originated at least 3,500 years ago, dominated on the opening day of the competition at the Hangzhou Asian Games on Saturday.

The world champion trio of Artyom Shturbabin, Khilola Ortikboeva and Mukhsin Khisomiddinov lived up to their favorites tag in their respective weight categories on the gilam, kurash's competition arena.

In the men's +90kg final, four-time world champion Khisomiddinov, who is also the defending champion at the Asiad, defeated Turkmenistan's Tejen Tejenov 5-0 for the gold.

"All their athletes are strong," said Tejenov. "It is the traditional sport of Uzbekistan, so I'm not surprised."

Shturbabin defeated Iran's Majid Vahid Barimanlou 8-0 to take gold in the men's 66kg. Losing semifinalists Murodzoda Khairandeshi of Tajikistan and Kwon Jae-deog of South Korea rounded off the podium with the shared bronze medal.

In women's 52kg final, Ortikboeva swept past compatriot Sitora Elmurodova 10-0 to take the title.

South Korea secured their first Asian Games medals in kurash through bronze medals for Kwon (men's 66kg) and Jeong Jun-yong in the men's +90kg.

Thailand had their own kurash moments when Saowalak Homklin (women's 52kg) and Kunathip Yea On (men's +90kg) both collected bronze medals.

The shared bronze medal in the women's 52kg went to Aynur Amanova of Turkmenistan.