Legends hail new digital dawn

Gaming greats Jian Zihao and Ming Kai raring for esports' highly anticipated Asian Games debut

Asked if they would represent China at the forthcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou if still in their prime, esports legends Jian Zihao and Ming Kai delivered an unequivocal reply. "The answer is of course yes, if the Chinese team needs us," said Jian, aka Uzi, in an exclusive interview with China Daily online show On Your Marks.

Ming, aka Clearlove, concurred, saying it would be the "highest honor" to win gold for his country at the Games.

Both Jian and Ming have been away from the professional league for a while, but the two veterans still get "goosebumps" when they recall esports' debut as a demonstration sport at the last Asian Games in Jakarta.

"When we arrived at the venue of the final, which was being contested between China and South Korea, we noticed that among the audience were South Korean and Chinese athletes of other sports, all there to cheer for us," said Jian, who was the core player of the gold-winning Chinese League of Legends (LOL) squad back in 2018.

"It was then that I realized esports was gaining more recognition. The spectators were all cheering for us, not for a club or a single person, but for the Chinese team.

"We were nervous at that moment. But, after winning the medal, when the Chinese national flag was raised, it seemed so surreal to me.

"It still gives me goosebumps even when I recall the scene now. It really was an emotional moment. That memory will stay with me for the rest of my life, because I was so young and so dedicated."

Although Ming was not involved in the Chinese LOL team at the 2018 Asian Games, he followed all the squad's matches online.

"Of course I was nervous for them, because it was a matter of national honor. I was super nervous whenever I saw Uzi get slayed in the match. And I was so relieved when they won," said Ming. "As an esports player myself, I was very proud and happy to be part of the profession."

Esports was included in the Asian Games for the first time as a demonstration sport at the 2018 edition in Indonesia, with China winning two gold medals and a silver.

This year in Hangzhou it will debut as an official medal sport, featuring seven competitions — Arena of Valor Asian Games Version, Dota 2, Dream Three Kingdoms 2, League of Legends, PUBG Mobile Asian Games Version, Street Fighter V and EA SPORTS' FIFA-branded soccer game.

The Chinese lineups for the Games have yet to be released, but both Jian and Ming hope the new generation of players do the nation proud.

"I wish them a good performance in Hangzhou, our home court. I hope they can show the world the strength of the Chinese team," said Jian.

And Ming encouraged the young players, saying: "I think being a member of the Chinese team would be the greatest recognition for a professional player. To win a gold medal for China, it would be the highest honor. I wish the Hangzhou Asian Games great success."